COLUMBIA, Mo. – Stephens College Athletics has announced the appointment of Don Trentham as the new head coach of the Stars women's soccer program. With an extensive and decorated coaching background spanning over two decades, Trentham brings a wealth of experience and a history of success to the program.
"I am honored to be named the new head coach of the Stephens College women's soccer program," said Trentham. "I would like to thank Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Melinda Wrye-Washington, Assistant Director of Athletics Betty Villalobos and everyone else associated with the search for offering me this exciting opportunity."
Trentham continued, "My family and I are thrilled to stay home in Columbia, Mo., one of the great college towns in the country, and to become part of the Stephens College family. I look forward to leading the women of this program to successes on and off the field. The future of the Stars soccer program is very bright."
Trentham's coaching career includes achievements at NAIA, NCAA Division I and II, and professional levels. His NAIA experience as a player and a coach boasts five championships, most recently with Columbia College as an assistant coach, where he helped secure the AMC Regular Season and Tournament titles, as well as a Final Four appearance in 2024.
At Montana State University Billings, Trentham served as head coach for nine seasons (2002-2010), amassing an 85-75-10 record and guiding the program to its first and only NCAA Division II Tournament appearance. He was inducted into the Yellowjacket Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022 and remains the winningest coach in program history.
Trentham's 13 years as an NCAA Division I assistant and associate head coach included stops at Kansas State, Missouri, Colorado, and Wyoming. He helped teams earn three NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a Sweet 16 run with Colorado in 2013, and seven conference tournament berths.
In 2024, Trentham coached professionally in Austria's Frauen Bundesliga II with FC Pinzgau, leading his team to a second-place finish with an impressive 11-1-1 record.
Trentham has played a part in the development of numerous standout student-athletes, including four full national team members, 14 professional players, eight youth national team participants, and four NWSL draft picks. His players have earned 12 All-American honors and seven Academic All-American recognitions.
A native of O'Fallon, Missouri, Trentham graduated from Columbia College in 1999 with a degree in education and later earned a Master's of Education from East Stroudsburg University in 2007. He holds a USSF "A" License, USSF National Goalkeeping License, and certifications from United Soccer Coaches, including a Premier Diploma and a Performance Analysis Diploma.
He and his wife, Jenn, live in Columbia with their two children, Landon and Adelyn.
"We are excited to welcome Coach Trentham to the Stephens College Athletics family," said Melinda Wrye-Washington, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics. "His impressive soccer background and connection to the Columbia community make him the perfect fit to lead our program into a new era. We are confident Don's expertise and vision will elevate our soccer program to new heights."
What They Are Saying About Don Trentham
"Don has built a coaching career that has taken him across the country and around the globe. His drive, combined with his experience, his connections, his recent NAIA success at Columbia College, and his attachment to this area of the country make him the perfect choice to lead the Stars. Don's a relentless worker and recruiter, who will put his heart and soul into the Stephens women's soccer program."
— John Klein, Southeast Missouri State University Head Women's Soccer Coach
"Stephens College has made an outstanding choice in hiring Don Trentham as Head Women's Soccer Coach. A seasoned coach with a tireless work ethic, Don has proven himself as a relentless recruiter and is very connected in the local community. I look forward to watching him take the program to new heights."
— Stef Golan, University of Missouri Head Women's Soccer Coach
"Don is a big-time hire for Stephens! He knows how to build a program, and the student-athletes will love playing for him. Don is a relentless recruiter and will push the squad to be the best versions of themselves, on and off the field."
— Danny Sanchez, University of Colorado Head Women's Soccer Coach
"Don is an exceptional addition to the Stephens College athletic program! With a diverse background spanning Division I, II, and NAIA levels, plus professional league experience in Europe, he brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the program. His focus on the student-athlete experience and personal development shows his commitment to shaping well-rounded individuals, not just great players. With that kind of leadership, it's easy to envision a bright future for Stephens College Soccer, including conference and national championships. This is such an exciting time for the program!"
— Bryan Blitz, Former Mizzou Soccer Head Coach
