SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Emma Wright-Cates has been tabbed as the fifth head coach of the University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer program, Director of Athletics Dr. Brian Wickstrom announced Friday.
 
"I am excited to welcome Emma and her family to UIW," Wickstrom said. "Her soccer experience, family values and coaching philosophy will help deliver a top student-athlete experience as we compete for championships in the Southland Conference."
 
A native of Greater Manchester, England, Wright-Cates has had coaching stints with George Washington, Christian Brothers University and fellow Southland Conference member Southeastern Louisiana.
 
"First, I would like to thank President Dr. Thomas Evans and his staff for providing me this wonderful opportunity," Wright-Cates said. "It is an honor to work for the University of the Incarnate Word, whose mission aligns directly with my values.
 
"I would also like to thank Dr. Brian Wickstrom, Mr. Richard Duran, Ms. Angela Lawson and the rest of the search committee for trusting me to continue to propel the women's soccer program and showing me what it means to be a Cardinal."
 
"I am thankful for the help, guidance and support of my family, and also for the positive influence of my coaches and peers.
 
"There is a tremendous buzz around campus and lots of energy. It is definitely an exciting time to be a part of the Cardinal family. I believe the university and athletic department, along with the added bonus of being located in a fantastic city full of culture and history, will be a huge draw for recruits.
 
"I am very excited to get on campus, meet the student-athletes and start working towards our goals in the classroom, community, Southland Conference and beyond."
 
Wright-Cates briefly stepped away from collegiate athletics prior to the 2014 season and returned to England to help care for her terminally ill father. She returned to the United States in January of 2015 and founded Pass and Move, LLC, a consulting company that trains high school student-athletes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and assists with the process of searching for and preparing for the right college.
 
Wright-Cates served as an assistant coach at George Washington from 2012-14 where she worked with recruiting, fundraising, scouting, community service and travel. Under Wright-Cates' guidance, the Colonials improved from 5-12-1 in 2012 to 12-6-1 in 2014.
 
Prior to her time at GW, Wright-Cates spent three years as club director for Fort Worth FC. Within the club, she helped coach the Forth Worth Panthers of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Wright-Cates' duties included working with developmental age groups, assisting with competitive teams, fundraising, coordinating and managing spirit wear, producing monthly newsletters and assisting with Fort Worth FC camps and club tournaments.
 
Before joining the Fort Worth FC staff, Wright-Cates served as an assistant coach at Southeastern Louisiana from 2007-09. She helped the Lions advance to the Southland Conference Tournament semifinals in both 2007 and 2008. In addition to her NCAA Division I coaching experience, Wright-Cates also coached at Division II Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee, from 2005-07.
 
Wright-Cates played at the collegiate level at both Division I Central Connecticut State and Division II Slippery Rock. Throughout her three seasons at CCSU, she helped the Blue Devils to their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament's second round. A three-year letterwinner with the Blue Devils, Wright-Cates was a first team All-Northeast Conference selection and was named the Central Connecticut Sportswriters Player of the Year after helping CCSU win two NEC titles. Wright-Cates transferred to Slippery Rock for her senior year and earned All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference after helping The Rock to the PSAC West title in 2004.
 
Before coming to the United States, Wright-Cates played in England's Women's Premier League for both the Doncaster Belles and Everton, the latter of which won the premiership title. She was also a member of the National Women's Football Academy from 1998-2000 and competed in the England National Team U-18 trials in 1998.
 
Wright-Cates holds a USSF 'C' License and a referee license. She received her National Soccer Coaches Association of America State Level 1 Goalkeeping Diploma in 2007.
 
Wright-Cates graduated from CCSU in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in art, specializing in graphic design. She completed her master's degree in education at Christian Brothers University in 2007. Wright-Cates is married to Vassar Cates and has two children, Phoebe and Finn.
 
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