Van Dyke And Co. Named North Region Staff Of The Year
December 11, 2025 | Women's Soccer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. βΒ Washington's Nicole Van Dyke, Cole Schmit, Raphael Cox and Kary Whitney have been named the United Soccer Coaches North Region Staff of the Year, announced Wednesday by the coaches organization.
Β
"This honor is a reflection of our entire staff and all the people here at Washington who show up every day to serve our student-athletes," Van Dyke said. "It's a testament to the collective effort of a group that works tirelessly for each other and for our women to put them in the best position to succeed."
Β
The award comes after a season in which UW's staff guided the Huskies through arguably the greatest season in program history. Washington ended the season ranked number six in the final United Soccer Coaches Poll, the highest season-ending ranking in program history.
Β
"I'm fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people, and Cole, Rapha, and Kary are some of the best in the businessβhard-working, selfless, driven and genuine people who pour everything into this program and the women we're privileged to coach," Van Dyke said. "This honor is also made possible by our playersβthe incredible women who trust, believe, and bring out the best in all of us."
Β
Entering the season predicted to finish ninth in the Big Ten, Washington defied expectations. The Huskies posted an 8-1-2 league record, claiming UW's first conference championship in 25 years, the second in program history.
Β
Washington doubled down during the Big Ten Tournament as the top seeded Huskies topped Illinois and No. 15 Wisconsin before capturing the tournament title with a penalty shootout victory over No. 9 Michigan State.
Β
With the shootout win over the Spartans, Washington became the first Big Ten team to win both the regular season and tournament championships outright since 2013.
Β
The Dawgs kept momentum riding into the NCAA Tournament, starting with a 2-0 home win over Montana. UW then hit the road for Charlottesville, Virginia, posting an overtime victory over No. 4 Arkansas before advancing past top-seeded Virginia on penalties to reach the third Elite Eight in program history.
Β
Washington rose to the occasion when playing the nation's elite, registering a 6-1-2 record against ranked opponents. With victories over No. 4 ranked UCLA and Arkansas, Washington defeated multiple top-5 foes in the same season for the third time ever, the first since 2000.
Β
Under the direction of UW's coaching staff, six Huskies received All-Big Ten recognition in Kolo Suliafu, Alex Buck, Jadyn Holdenried, Maya Loudd, Kelsey Branson and Maylen Montoya.
Β
Suliafu and Buck went on to receive United Soccer Coaches All-America honors, becoming the fifth and sixth Huskies to receive the prestigious honor and giving UW multiple All-Americans in the same season for the first time in program history.
Β
Washington's 15 wins are its most since garnering 16 victories in 2014, while UW's eight conference wins are tied for the most ever by a Husky team, also winning eight league games in 2000.
Β
For more information on Husky Women's Soccer, follow @UW_WSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.
Β
Β
"This honor is a reflection of our entire staff and all the people here at Washington who show up every day to serve our student-athletes," Van Dyke said. "It's a testament to the collective effort of a group that works tirelessly for each other and for our women to put them in the best position to succeed."
Β
The award comes after a season in which UW's staff guided the Huskies through arguably the greatest season in program history. Washington ended the season ranked number six in the final United Soccer Coaches Poll, the highest season-ending ranking in program history.
Β
"I'm fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people, and Cole, Rapha, and Kary are some of the best in the businessβhard-working, selfless, driven and genuine people who pour everything into this program and the women we're privileged to coach," Van Dyke said. "This honor is also made possible by our playersβthe incredible women who trust, believe, and bring out the best in all of us."
Β
Entering the season predicted to finish ninth in the Big Ten, Washington defied expectations. The Huskies posted an 8-1-2 league record, claiming UW's first conference championship in 25 years, the second in program history.
Β
Washington doubled down during the Big Ten Tournament as the top seeded Huskies topped Illinois and No. 15 Wisconsin before capturing the tournament title with a penalty shootout victory over No. 9 Michigan State.
Β
With the shootout win over the Spartans, Washington became the first Big Ten team to win both the regular season and tournament championships outright since 2013.
Β
The Dawgs kept momentum riding into the NCAA Tournament, starting with a 2-0 home win over Montana. UW then hit the road for Charlottesville, Virginia, posting an overtime victory over No. 4 Arkansas before advancing past top-seeded Virginia on penalties to reach the third Elite Eight in program history.
Β
Washington rose to the occasion when playing the nation's elite, registering a 6-1-2 record against ranked opponents. With victories over No. 4 ranked UCLA and Arkansas, Washington defeated multiple top-5 foes in the same season for the third time ever, the first since 2000.
Β
Under the direction of UW's coaching staff, six Huskies received All-Big Ten recognition in Kolo Suliafu, Alex Buck, Jadyn Holdenried, Maya Loudd, Kelsey Branson and Maylen Montoya.
Β
Suliafu and Buck went on to receive United Soccer Coaches All-America honors, becoming the fifth and sixth Huskies to receive the prestigious honor and giving UW multiple All-Americans in the same season for the first time in program history.
Β
Washington's 15 wins are its most since garnering 16 victories in 2014, while UW's eight conference wins are tied for the most ever by a Husky team, also winning eight league games in 2000.
Β
For more information on Husky Women's Soccer, follow @UW_WSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.
Β
Players Mentioned
MF
/ Women's Soccer
MF
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
MF
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's SoccerWashington Soccer vs. Virginia | NCAA Tournament Penalty Shots
Tuesday, November 25
Washington 1 (5), Virginia 1 (4) | Huskies Highlights
Sunday, November 23
Take a bow, Lea π€―
Sunday, November 23
Washington Soccer vs. Arkansas | NCAA Tournament Round 2 Recap
Saturday, November 22
