Courtesy of San José State Athletics

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San José State Director of Athletics Jeff Konya announced the hiring of Sonia Curvelo as the new head coach of the women’s soccer program on Wednesday. Curvelo becomes the eighth head coach in the history of the women’s soccer program at SJSU and takes over a program that has multiple Mountain West championships and NCAA tournament berths.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sonia Curvelo to the San José State family,” said Konya. “Sonia’s leadership and commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field align perfectly with our vision for building champions in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. We are confident that under her guidance, the program will return to the top of the Mountain West.”

“I am incredibly excited and honored to join the San José State community and lead this program,” said Curvelo. “The tradition of success here is impressive, and I am committed to working hard alongside our student-athletes to bring this program back to the top of the Mountain West. Together, we will strive to build a championship culture both on and off the field. I want to thank Director of Athletics Jeff Konya and Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Operations Kimberly Gallow for selecting me to lead and build this program moving forward.”

Key Highlights of Sonia Curvelo‘s Coaching Career:

  • Successful Turnaround at Sam Houston: In 2023, Curvelo led Sam Houston to a dramatic improvement, doubling the team’s win total from the previous year while qualifying for the Conference USA tournament and winning their opening-round match against FIU. She followed that up with another C-USA tournament appearance, falling to Middle Tennessee in a shootout after a scoreless double-OT affair, 4-2 in penalty kicks.
  • Record-Breaking Success at Prairie View A&M: Curvelo guided PVAMU to 38 total wins during her four-year tenure, including two seasons with 13 wins each (2019, 2021). Under her leadership, PVAMU won the SWAC Tournament in 2019, marking its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.
  • Impressive 2021 Season at PVAMU: The 2021 squad achieved a .737 winning percentage with a 13-4-2 record, clinching another SWAC Tournament title, while allowing only one goal in three tournament matches.
  • SWAC Coach of the Year in 2012: Curvelo earned SWAC Coach of the Year honors in 2012 after leading Mississippi Valley State to a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament bid.
  • Outstanding Playing Career: Curvelo was a key player for Mississippi Valley State, scoring the game-winning goal in the 2005 SWAC Championship match, which helped propel the team to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. She also earned a spot on the Portugal National Team and played professionally for CF Puebla in Spain’s Women’s Spanish Super League.
  • Strong Coaching Credentials: Curvelo holds a United States Soccer Federation National “B” Coaching License and has been involved with the National Soccer Coaches Association, the United States Soccer Federation, and the Alliance of Women Coaches.

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