WASHINGTON – The head coach of the American University women's soccer team, Marsha Harper, will continue to lead the Eagles through the 2027 season after agreeing to a three-year contract extension from Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Billy Walker.
 
"The AU women's soccer program has thrived under Coach Harper's leadership," Walker said. "We are thrilled to have her staying on Ward Circle for another three years. The team's on-field competitiveness has improved its standing in the Patriot League in each year with her at the helm. The performance of her student-athletes in the classroom has been truly outstanding, as they consistently boast one of the highest GPAs in the entire department. Coach Harper's infectious enthusiasm combined with her positive outlook brings so much energy to her team and our department and helps foster a sense of community among all our coaches and staff."
 
Harper continues to rebuild a program that sat at the bottom of the Patriot League standings when she arrived at American University. Since then, Harper has led the team from ninth in the standings in 2021 to eighth in 2022, and seventh in 2023. The seventh-place finish is American's highest since 2018.
 
"First and foremost, I'd like to thank President Burwell, Dr. Walker, my staff, our department, our AU women's soccer alumni, our parents and the entire AU community for supporting and encouraging our program," Harper said. "I take great pride in being an Eagle and everything it stands for.
 
"This has been an incredible journey filled with lessons, laughs and new achievements. It brings me great joy to continue to lead this program in my work to tirelessly support, guide, teach and mentor every student-athlete dressed in the AU crest. I have been encouraged by the past four years and all things possible here at American."
 
In the 2023 season, American achieved its highest Patriot League win total since 2013, just missing a spot in the League playoffs by way of a tiebreaker.
 
"Our team, our staff and our leadership continue to motivate me every day to drive AU women's soccer to new heights," Harper said. "I am energized by our future leaders and their commitment to success. I am excited by the opportunity and remain steadfast in my determination to continue making history and developing the best right here in the nation's capital. As always, go Eagles!"
 
In four seasons with the Eagles, Harper has coached six All-Patriot League selections and two Academic All-Patriot League selections.
 
Off the field, the Eagles continue to excel in the classroom. During the 2023 season, the team earned a 3.58 grade point average, and a remarkable 23 student-athletes were named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

For the latest on American University Women's Soccer, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on X (formerly Twitter) (@AU_WSoccer) and Instagram (@au.wsoccer).