Alabama Head Soccer Coach Wes Hart Signs Contract Extension Through 2031
4/22/2026 6:20:00 PM | Soccer
The new agreement will extend his current contract by four years, keeping him in charge of Crimson Tide women’s soccer through January 31, 2031
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –– University of Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne announced Wednesday that head soccer coach Wes Hart has agreed to a contract extension. The approval was made by The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees Compensation Committee.
The new agreement will extend his current contract by four years, keeping him in charge of Crimson Tide women's soccer through January 31, 2031.
"I'm excited and honored to continue to lead Alabama soccer and extend my time in Tuscaloosa," Hart said. "My family and I are grateful for the support of the community, and I'm thankful to my tremendous staff and all of the incredible young women who have played for us and have helped build this program. Thank you to President Mohler, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, Chancellor Trant and the entire Board of Trustees for their support of our program. I cannot wait to continue building on what we have created and looking forward to more exciting years of Alabama soccer. There's no place like Tuscaloosa!"
Since his hiring in 2015, Hart has taken the program to unprecedented heights, including a 2022 College Cup appearance. Under his guidance, the team has reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament four times (2021, 2022, 2023, 2025) as Hart has coached the program to five of its seven NCAA Tournament berths. Additionally, with Hart, Alabama has reached the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament in six of the last seven years.
"Coach Hart has done a tremendous job leading our women's soccer team," said Byrne. "The program has reached new heights under his direction, and we look forward to continued success with Coach Hart at the helm. Thank you to President Mohler, Chancellor Trant and our Board of Trustees for their support and approval of this extension."
Hart has coached all five of the Tide's United Soccer Coaches All-American honorees including two-time selection Gianna Paul. Additionally, he has produced three TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Team selections and a TopDrawerSoccer Freshman of the Season Team honoree as well as 24 All-SEC selections, eight All-SEC Freshman Team honorees and three SEC All-Tournament Team recipients.
Riley Mattingly Parker (2022 SEC Forward of the Year), Felicia Knox (2022 SEC Midfielder of the Year), Reyna Reyes (2022 SEC Defender of the Year) and Larkin Thomason (2025 SEC Newcomer of the Year) were the first UA players to earn their respective honors in program history, as Gianna Paul became the second Alabama player to be named the SEC Freshman of the Year (2022).
Five of Hart's players are currently playing in the National Women's Soccer League including 2025 team members Paul and Maddie Padelski.
He was named the 2022 SEC Coach of the Year and the NCAA DI Southeast Region Staff of the Year. He has won 118 games over his 11 years at Alabama.
