News Summary
The University of Texas Longhorns announces the hiring of Molly Poletto as the new assistant coach for Texas Soccer, set to commence her role on December 17, 2025. Poletto’s extensive coaching experience includes a successful tenure at UCLA, where she helped the team achieve numerous accolades. Her appointment aims to strengthen the Longhorns soccer program through her proven expertise in developing defensive strategies and fostering student-athlete growth. This strategic move signifies a commitment to enhancing program excellence and leadership within Texas athletics.
Houston, TX — The landscape of collegiate athletics in Texas continues to evolve, with strategic appointments at its leading institutions shaping the future of student-athlete development and competitive excellence. In a significant move for the state’s higher education and sports community, the University of Texas Longhorns recently announced the addition of Molly Poletto as an assistant coach for Texas Soccer, effective December 17, 2025.
This appointment underscores the commitment of the University of Texas at Austin to bolstering its athletic programs with experienced and dedicated leadership. Poletto’s arrival on the Forty Acres is anticipated to bring a new dynamic to the Longhorn soccer team, emphasizing the core values of discipline, innovation, and personal responsibility that are crucial for success both on the field and in life. Her proven track record in developing top-tier collegiate goalkeepers and defensive units aligns with the university’s pursuit of institutional excellence in a competitive national environment.
A Proven Leader Joins the Longhorn Staff
Molly Poletto arrives at the University of Texas after a distinguished tenure, most recently spending four seasons at UCLA. During her time with the Bruins, the program achieved an impressive 67-13-9 (.803) record, ranking as the fourth-best mark nationally over that period. Poletto contributed to UCLA reaching the NCAA Tournament in all four campaigns, securing two conference titles, and ultimately winning the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship. Under her guidance, UCLA’s defensive units consistently performed at an elite level, with the team ranking second nationally in goals against average.
Building Defensive Excellence and Mentorship
Poletto’s coaching philosophy is centered on fostering disciplined and high-performing defensive strategies. She is recognized for her ability to effectively orchestrate back lines and goalkeepers, a specialization that has often resulted in her units leading the country in shutouts and dominating defensive statistics. Beyond the strategic aspects of the game, Poletto is also lauded for setting a high standard of care for student-athletes, balancing rigorous training with a supportive and engaging personal approach. This holistic mentorship is vital for the comprehensive development of student-athletes, aligning with the principles of leadership and personal responsibility that collegiate sports aim to instill.
Her experience extends beyond UCLA, including significant roles as a goalkeeper coach at Missouri from 2019 to 2021 and at Boston University from 2017 to 2018. At Missouri, she played a key role in the Tigers’ ascent to a fifth-place finish in the SEC in 2021, marking a nine-spot improvement from the previous year. During her time at Boston University, the Terriers claimed both the 2018 Patriot League regular season and conference tournament championships, with Poletto being instrumental in guiding the goalkeeping unit to a combined 11 shutouts.
A Foundation in Collegiate Athletics and Academic Achievement
Poletto’s journey into coaching began after her collegiate playing career was cut short due to injury. She transitioned to coaching at the University of Utah, serving as an undergraduate assistant coach for three seasons before becoming a volunteer assistant coach in 2016. In that role, she dramatically improved her unit’s goals against average from 1.21 to 0.65, achieving 10 shutouts and an .860 save percentage. Academically, Poletto graduated cum laude from Utah in 2015 with a degree in communications and a minor in psychology, further completing her master’s degree in sports psychology in the spring of 2017. She also holds a USSF “B” license and has served as an instructor for the USSF “E” licenses, demonstrating her commitment to coaching education and development.
Recent Developments in Longhorn Soccer
The addition of Poletto comes at a time of ongoing development for the Texas Longhorns soccer program. The team recently signed Hannah Tate to an Athletic Scholarship Agreement on December 15, 2025, signaling a continuous effort to strengthen the roster with promising talent. In their 2025 season, the Longhorns experienced a setback, falling to the No. 12 Mississippi State Bulldogs with a 3-0 score on September 18, 2025. Looking back, the program demonstrated its competitive drive by advancing to the SEC Championship Final in 2024. These events highlight the dynamic nature of collegiate sports, where strategic coaching hires and player acquisitions are crucial for sustained success and building a resilient team culture.
Head coach Margueritte Bates, who was named to her position on November 25, 2025, expressed confidence in Poletto’s capabilities, noting her strong work ethic and commitment to the program. This unified leadership is essential for cultivating an environment where student-athletes can thrive and contribute positively to the broader community, embodying the values of leadership and community impact.
Charting a Course for the Future of Texas Athletics
The integration of experienced coaches like Molly Poletto into Texas TX higher education athletic departments reflects a broader commitment to nurturing athletic talent and fostering well-rounded individuals. The Longhorns are preparing for future seasons, with the official 2026 Soccer Roster already taking shape. Such strategic appointments are vital not only for on-field performance but also for the reputation and academic environment of institutions like the University of Texas. The ongoing dedication to athletic development and robust coaching support contributes significantly to the vibrant collegiate athletics Texas landscape, attracting top talent and providing enriching experiences for student-athletes and fans alike.
Conclusion
The University of Texas Longhorns’ decision to bring Molly Poletto aboard as an assistant soccer coach marks a strategic investment in the future of its women’s soccer program. Her impressive coaching background, characterized by a focus on defensive excellence, player development, and academic integrity, positions her to make a substantial impact on the Forty Acres. This appointment reinforces the importance of strong leadership in collegiate sports and its role in building championship-caliber teams and responsible young adults.
Readers interested in following the trajectory of the Texas Longhorns soccer program and other developments in Houston TX college news are encouraged to stay connected with university announcements and upcoming campus events. The continued growth and success of Texas higher education institutions and their athletic programs contribute significantly to the state’s dynamic cultural and economic fabric.
Keywords: University of Texas TX, Texas Longhorns Soccer, Collegiate Athletics Texas, Molly Poletto Coach, Austin Higher Education
Key Information: Molly Poletto’s Appointment
| Aspect | Detail | Date/Period |
|---|---|---|
| New Role | Assistant Coach, Texas Soccer | December 17, 2025 |
| Previous Role | Assistant Coach, UCLA | Past four seasons |
| UCLA Record (under Poletto) | 67-13-9 (.803) | Past four seasons |
| UCLA Achievements | 2 conference titles, 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship | During tenure |
| Other Coaching | Goalkeeper Coach: Missouri (2019-21), Boston University (2017-18) | Various |
| Education | B.A. Communications (cum laude), M.S. Sports Psychology (University of Utah) | 2015, 2017 |
| Certifications | USSF “B” license, instructor for USSF “E” licenses | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Molly Poletto’s new role at the University of Texas?
Molly Poletto has been named an assistant coach for Texas Soccer at the University of Texas.
When was Molly Poletto’s appointment announced?
Her appointment was announced on December 17, 2025.
What is Molly Poletto’s coaching background prior to joining the University of Texas?
Prior to joining the University of Texas, Molly Poletto spent four seasons as an assistant coach at UCLA, where she contributed to two conference titles and the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship. She also served as a goalkeeper coach at Missouri (2019-2021) and Boston University (2017-2018), and as an undergraduate and volunteer assistant coach at the University of Utah.
What are some of Molly Poletto’s key responsibilities as assistant coach?
Molly Poletto is expected to orchestrate back lines and goalkeepers, with a reputation for setting a high standard of care for student-athletes.
What is the academic background of Molly Poletto?
Molly Poletto graduated cum laude from the University of Utah in 2015 with a degree in communications and a minor in psychology. She completed her master’s degree in sports psychology in the spring of 2017.
What are some recent team developments for Texas Longhorns Soccer?
The Texas Longhorns soccer team recently signed Hannah Tate on December 15, 2025, and previously fell to No. 12 Mississippi State on September 18, 2025. In 2024, the team advanced to the SEC Championship Final.
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