How Coach Jesse Newton Transformed a Struggling Women's Soccer Team into Champions Overnight!

As the University of Richmond gears up for the 2026 season, the women’s soccer program is welcoming a fresh face, Jesse Newton, as its new assistant coach. Newton enters this role armed with a diverse background spanning collegiate, youth, and international soccer.

Most recently, Newton held the position of assistant coach and director of player development at Oakland University in Michigan. Her responsibilities there included recruiting, training session planning, and match preparation. Additionally, she crafted individualized development plans for players, which directly contributed to a rejuvenation of the program. Under her guidance, Oakland University improved its conference standing and advanced to the semifinals of the Horizon League.

Before her tenure at Oakland, Newton served as a graduate assistant coach at Lynn University, where she was involved in daily operations, training, and recruiting. Her commitment to youth soccer is evident in her coaching roles with Michigan Jaguars FC and the Olympic Development Program East Region. In these positions, she has worked with players across various age groups, contributing to championship-level teams.

Adding to her impressive résumé, Newton has international experience as a professional player. During the 2023-24 season, she played as a defender for MSV Duisburg in Germany, appearing in 14 matches and recording two assists. While in Germany, she also took on the role of assistant coach for the club’s U15 team, guiding them to a league championship and supporting training and match preparations.

A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Newton began her collegiate soccer career at Presbyterian College, where she was a standout player and earned four letters over her college years. After completing her eligibility, she utilized her fifth year at Lynn University while pursuing a master's degree.

Newton holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Presbyterian College and an MBA from Lynn University. In addition to her academic achievements, she possesses a United States Soccer Federation “D” License and is currently working towards her “C” License. This blend of experience and education positions her well to influence the youth and collegiate soccer landscape in Richmond.

The hiring of Jesse Newton signals a new chapter for the University of Richmond’s women’s soccer program, as they aim to build on recent successes and foster the next generation of talent. With her extensive background and commitment to player development, she is poised to make a significant impact both on and off the field.