Stephens College Names New Head Soccer Coach
Stephens College Athletics is excited to announce the appointment of Don Trentham as the new head coach of the Stars women’s soccer program. With more than 20 years of coaching experience at multiple levels—including NAIA, NCAA Division I and II, and professional soccer—Trentham brings a proven track record of success to the program.
A Homecoming for Trentham
“I am honored to be named the new head coach of the Stephens College women’s soccer program,” said Trentham. “I want to thank Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Melinda Wrye-Washington and Assistant Director of Athletics Betty Villalobos for this exciting opportunity.”
A Missouri native, Trentham expressed his enthusiasm about staying in Columbia, calling it “one of the great college towns in the country.” He and his family are eager to join the Stephens College community, and he looks forward to leading the team both on and off the field.
A Career Built on Success
Trentham’s coaching career spans NAIA, NCAA, and professional soccer, with numerous championships and accolades along the way:
- NAIA Championships – As both a player and coach, Trentham has been part of five NAIA championship-winning teams. Most recently, he helped Columbia College claim the AMC Regular Season and Tournament titles, along with a Final Four appearance in 2024.
- Montana State University Billings (2002-2010) – As head coach, Trentham led the team to its first-ever NCAA Division II Tournament appearance, compiling an 85-75-10 record. He remains the program’s winningest coach and was inducted into the Yellowjacket Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.
- NCAA Division I Coaching – Over 13 years, Trentham served as an assistant and associate head coach at Kansas State, Missouri, Colorado, and Wyoming. His teams earned three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run with Colorado in 2013.
- Professional Coaching in Austria – In 2024, he led FC Pinzgau in Austria’s Frauen Bundesliga II to a second-place finish, with an impressive 11-1-1 record.
Developing Top Talent
Trentham has played a key role in shaping elite athletes, including:
- 4 full national team players
- 14 professional players
- 8 youth national team participants
- 4 NWSL draft picks
- 12 All-Americans and 7 Academic All-Americans
A Leader in Soccer Education
A graduate of Columbia College (1999) with a degree in education, Trentham later earned a Master’s in Education from East Stroudsburg University (2007). His coaching credentials include:
- USSF “A” License
- USSF National Goalkeeping License
- United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma & Performance Analysis Diploma
A Bright Future for Stars Soccer
Trentham and his wife, Jenn, live in Columbia with their two children, Landon and Adelyn.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Trentham to the Stephens College Athletics family,” said Melinda Wrye-Washington. “His extensive experience and deep ties to Columbia make him the perfect fit to lead our program. We are confident his leadership will elevate our soccer program to new heights.”
