STA Soccer Honors Coach Emily Welch

St. Teresa’s Academy extends its deepest gratitude to Coach Emily Welch (’05) for 16 years of dedicated service to the STA soccer program and our athletic community.

As a proud STA alumna, Emily has represented the Stars for much of her life. After winning two state championships as a student-athlete at STA, she returned to her alma mater to give back to the program. What started as a role as an assistant coach grew into a remarkable coaching career that impacted generations of players.

Emily has been a central part of the program’s most historic milestones, contributing to four of the school’s state championship titles:

• 2003 – State Champion (Player)
• 2005 – State Champion (Player)
• 2015 – State Champion (Assistant Coach)
• 2016 – State Champion (Assistant Coach)

Emily became head coach in 2020 amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the canceled season and uncertainty, she kept the team connected and motivated. That resilience paid off in 2021 when she led the Stars to a district title and a 3rd-place finish in the state tournament.

Throughout her head coaching tenure, Emily built a culture centered on teamwork, accountability, and excellence. She consistently supported the mission of STA Athletics by mentoring young women and ensuring a positive experience for athletes across all sports. Most recently, she led the Stars to a Class 4 State Runner-Up finish.

After nearly two decades with the program, Emily has made the bittersweet decision to step away from coaching the Stars. While she will no longer be directing the team from the bench or drawing up plays, her impact on the program is permanent. This transition marks the close of a significant chapter in STA soccer history.

A Message from Athletic Director Kat Williams

“Coach Welch’s dedication to St. Teresa’s Academy is truly extraordinary. Throughout her time with the program, she has poured her heart into it as a mentor, leader, and role model. From winning state titles as a player and assistant to guiding the Stars as head coach, her impact is immeasurable. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership and dedication, and we wish her the absolute best in her next chapter.”

Thank you, Coach Welch, for your unwavering commitment to St. Teresa’s Academy. Your legacy will forever be a part of STA Soccer.