AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's University today announced that Nick Cowell, the winningest head coach in Hilltoppers women's soccer history, will retire after 20 seasons on the Hilltop, closing a tenure defined by sustained excellence, conference championships, and an enduring impact on student-athletes on and off the pitch.
"This wasn't an easy decision, but it felt like the right time," Cowell said. "I'm incredibly proud of what we've built at St. Edward's and confident in the strength, culture, and future of the program. It's on firm footing, built on clear values, great people, and a foundation that will continue to serve it well. This place and the people here mean a great deal to me, and I'm grateful for the relationships built along the way."
Cowell joined the Hilltoppers in 2006 as the fourth head coach in program history and quickly established St. Edward's as a perennial NCAA Division II contender. Over two decades at the helm, he compiled a remarkable 256-89-41 record at St. Edward's, becoming the program's all-time winningest coach and building a culture of consistency and competitive excellence.
During Cowell's tenure, the Hilltoppers captured 10 Heartland Conference regular-season titles and two Heartland Conference Tournament championships (2011, 2014), while earning 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. From 2006 to 2016, St. Edward's qualified for the NCAA postseason in 11 consecutive seasons, highlighted by Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight runs.
Cowell's influence extended well beyond the results. Known for his commitment to player development and mentorship, he consistently emphasized academic achievement, character growth, and holistic student-athlete success. His teams regularly produced strong academic results, and many former players have gone on to careers in coaching, education, business, and community leadership.
"Coaching at St. Edward's has been a defining part of my professional life," Cowell said. "I'm deeply grateful for the trust, support, and partnership I've experienced here, and especially proud of the growth and success of the student-athletes who have represented the university so well."
Recognized as one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA women's soccer history, Cowell amassed 472 career victories across stops at Wooster, Trinity (Texas), Baylor, Sewanee, and St. Edward's, ranking him among the all-time leaders in wins and winning percentage at the Division II level.
He earned NCAA Regional Coach of the Year honors in 2006 and 2009 and was named Heartland Conference Coach of the Year seven times (2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018). In 2019, Cowell was inducted into the Heartland Conference Hall of Fame.
"Ultimately, this was a personal decision shaped by the long-term demands of travel and a sense that this is the right moment for me to explore other professional opportunities," Cowell said. "That includes writing and consulting work I've been preparing for over time. My priority is ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition, and I'm committed to supporting the program in whatever ways are most helpful."
A nationwide search for the next head coach will begin immediately.
