PHOTO COURTESY UTRGV ATHLETICS
The Athletics department announced in an April 1 news release that Melanie Chandler has been promoted to associate head coach of the university’s women’s soccer program.
Head coach Nataki Stewart said Chandler’s promotion was the “right choice,” adding she deserved to be recognized for the “tremendous value” she brings to the program and young people in it.
“The biggest piece for us as we looked at Mel and this promotion was her tireless work ethic,” Stewart said. “The care that she has for the student athletes, the blue-collar mentality that she brings to the environment, and just her overall loyalty not just to the program but the Rio Grande Valley.”
Chandler said it is a “big blessing” to have Stewart’s trust and is glad to have her loyalty seen.
“It’s a huge opportunity, and I’m excited to continue to learn under this role,” she said.
The now associate head coach has “emerged as a stabilizing force” in the program since joining in April 2023, often leading recruiting efforts and community service initiatives, according to the release.
She said the program’s culture has evolved since her arrival to the university.
“From my first day here … it’s significantly grown, and you could see it within the ladies,” Chandler said. “Their connection on and off the field and their energy … I think you can definitely see the culture has grown and they’re well-knit together.”
The news release states she, as an assistant coach, aided the program during its transition from the Western Athletic Conference, to the Southland Conference in 2024. That same season, the program qualified for the SLC Tournament, following an overall 7-7-5 record and 6-2-2 record at home.
Chandler said the success during that shift came down to developing confidence within the team.
“Relationships are huge,” she said. “Continuing to build that trust with the girls during that transition from changing conferences to getting a new head coach … I think [it] goes a long way, and you see that in training but also going into matches and community service.”
The associate head coach said her approach to coaching lies beyond just the game.
“The biggest thing that I’ve always wanted to do is impact these young adults through the game of soccer,” Chandler said. “Going back to building relationships, it starts from getting to know them, not just on the field. … A simple, ‘Hey, how are you doing? How is your day going?’ type of thing … I think it shows to our ladies that as a staff we care more than just soccer.”
Stewart added Chandler has played a vital role in his own transition to UTRGV since his arrival in February, which speaks volumes to the value she adds to the environment.
“The first couple of weeks, it was all her teaching me a lot of things from an administrative standpoint,” he said. “So, the transition has been much smoother because of her.”
Before joining UTRGV in 2023, Chandler spent two seasons at Schreiner University, the first as an assistant coach and the following as head coach in 2022, which Stewart said adds a valuable perspective to the staff.
“Mel has a very unique experience being a head coach from a young age,” he said. “… She understands what it takes to really build a culture and environment, and she has done that.”
With her experience as a head coach, Chandler said she thinks it will help her understand what Stewart “might be going through” and add to their working relationship.
When it comes down to recruiting, she added she and Stewart value hard work and look for players with a “blue-collar mentality” during recruiting events.
“I think that’s huge for us,” Chandler said. “The big thing is finding those players that want to be a part of a program and are gonna work hard no matter what from minute one to minute 90.”
The associate head coach also said the staff has “high standards” set for the players and are aiming to raise them each year. She added she hopes by continuing to raise the standard, the team can reach its true goal of earning the title of conference champions.
“At the end of the day, we want to win a Southland Conference championship,” Chandler said. “We’ve come a long way. … I believe it’s going to be an exciting time, and we’re going to reach that goal of getting that trophy.”
