SAN ANTONIO, Texas – UIW head women's soccer coach, Emma Wright-Cates, has announced the hiring of Rafael Amaya, Jr. to her staff.

"I am very excited that Rafa has joined forces with me and accepted the primary position as our recruiting coordinator," stated Wright-Cates. "Rafa's constant desire to better himself and those around him is contagious. He has had a tremendous playing experience both nationally and internationally and has been a part some of the top programs in the country. His knowledge and passion for the game and life will help our players grow on and off the field."

Amaya, Jr. comes to the Alamo City from Penn State University, where he was a volunteer assistant for the storied women's soccer program, where the Nittany Lions most recently went 15-5-0 and lost to Stanford in the NCAA Tournament.

The Liberty '13 graduate comes from a family rich in soccer tradition. His father, Rafael Amaya, a current professional coach, played professionally for 17 seasons in the MLS, Colombia, China and Japan. Amaya Jr.'s adopted brother, Roger, plays for Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer (MLS) and was a member of the Honduras National Team that played at the 2010 and 2014 World Cup as well as the 2012 London Olympics. 

Amaya Jr. has a decorated history as both a coach and a player. On the pitch Amaya Jr. was a member of the United States U-17 National Team and went on to earn back-to-back national championships as a midfielder at Tyler Junior College (2009 & 2010). He helped the Apaches post a 41-0-1 record during his two seasons and then he went on to play two seasons at Liberty. While at Liberty, Amaya Jr. helped the Flames to a Big South conference title and NCAA tournament appearance. 

He began his coaching career well before he ended his playing days, as he helped coach the Colorado Storm youth club from 2008-15. With the Storm, Amaya Jr. led the team to regional appearances and state titles. 

Off the pitch Amaya Jr. started a community service program that involves grassroots programs such as TOPSoccer, gang prevention, baby/toddler soccer; and soccer Santa, an annual hospital visit to spend time with kids and talk about soccer.
He has also served as the Costa Rican Women's National Team Camp Director (2014-15) and assisted with the Colombian Women's National Team (2015).

"I am so excited to be a part of the cardinal family," said Amaya, Jr. "I want to thank Emma Wright-Cates, the athletics department and the university for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I know the university and San Antonio area very well and I am ready to give everything I have to help the women's soccer program propel."

UIW, which finished the 2017 season 2-13-1 and 1-9-1 in Southland Conference play, is scheduled to open Emma's inaugural season as the leader of the Cardinals August 17 at North Texas.