DENVER – Women's soccer head coach Kat Mertz has accepted the same position at Division I's University of California, Davis out of the Big West Conference. 
 
"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the incredible student athletes, the Roadrunner athletic department, and the entire MSU Denver community for making my time here in Denver one of the best experiences of my career," Coach Mertz said. "A big thank you to Todd Thurman for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Roadrunner family."
 
"We can't thank Kat enough for her time, her efforts and her care for the women's soccer program and for the student-athletes," Director of Athletics Todd Thurman said. "She came in with a vision and she built the program the right way. She was vital in helping put this storied program back on the NCAA map."
 
Mertz had an incredible four-year run with MSU Denver going 39-20-19 with a 28-12-8 record in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. She earned four trips to the RMAC Tournament and helped the program reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years. 
 
Under Mertz's tenure, she had four players earn all-region honors, 22 players earn all-conference honors, 62 players earn All-RMAC academic honors and 11 players earn academic all-district honors. 
 
"It was a privilege to lead this exceptional group of student athletes and I am excited to cheer them on while they continue to elevate MSU Denver women's soccer to new heights," Coach Mertz said. "Thank you for being a part of my family and challenging me to be better every day." 
 
Mertz is taking over an Aggies program, who went 13-5-2 in 2024. Former coach Tracy Joyner had led UC Davis for the past six seasons and will be the new head coach at the University of Oregon heading in 2025. 
 
"My time here has been nothing short of amazing and it will always hold a special place in my heart," Coach Mertz said. "I am grateful for the experience, the friendships, and the support my family and I have received along the way. I will cherish every moment spent here and carry those experiences with me always. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making my time at MSU Denver unforgettable." 
 
A national search for the next MSU Denver women's soccer head coach will start immediately.