It’s a new era in University of New Mexico soccer as the Lobos soccer team introduced their new Head Coach Karley Nelson at the University’s fall coaches press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Nelson was elevated to be the team's fifth head coach after serving 11 years as an assistant and associate head coach at UNM. She officially takes over for longtime head coach Heather Dyche, who is resigning to take a new position as the coach of the Under-23 U.S. Women’s National Team.
Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo said UNM looked for a coach that met championship level standards, supported student athletes and their community and had integrity.
“She embodies all that and she's terrific, she's wonderful, she's an amazing coach. I'm so fortunate to get to know her so much more during the process,” Lovo said.
Nelson said she’s always wanted to be the head coach at UNM with its facilities, administration and "the best ownership in the country,” she said.
The team’s philosophy and playing style under her coaching will center around offense, Nelson said.
“We definitely will be an attacking style of team for sure, we want to play, want to score, and then defensively, we want to press the game high up the field, we want to win the ball back and front of the opponent and we want to score goals,” Nelson said.
In looking for recruits to fill the ranks, UNM will have a big presence for recruiting locally, and will do their best to keep the best players in New Mexico, Nelson said. Recruits must be “team first,” she said.
“They (must) believe in what it is that our vision is for the program, they're brought into our culture and that they want to be part of that, that they can put the good of the team above their own desires,” Nelson said.
“Of course, a big thank you to Heather (Dyche). 11 years ago, she brought me here and allowed me to have my hand in almost every area of this program, which has proven to be invaluable experience,” Nelson said. “I'm grateful for her mentorship and for the years that we spent working together, and most importantly, thank you to the players.”
The Lobos finished this past season with a record of 8-5-6, and an appearance in the Mountain West tournament. Now it’s a new day for Lobos soccer after signing five new players to their 2026 class, and introducing their new head coach.
“I've been here for 11 years. It's a program that is near and dear to my heart. I love it. I've invested everything I have into it. So when (Lovo) did extend the offer and said, ‘we want you to be the next leader of this program,’ I, of course, was thrilled. It felt right.” Nelson said.
Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
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