COLUMBIA, Mo. – Stephens College Athletics is excited to announce the addition of Bryan Blitz as an assistant coach for the Stars soccer program. A veteran coach with over three decades of experience, Blitz brings a championship pedigree and a deep connection to Columbia soccer.

Blitz is no stranger to college soccer in Columbia, having spent 25 years as the head coach of the University of Missouri women's soccer program. He reunites with Stars head coach Don Trentham, with whom he spent six seasons at Mizzou, leading the Tigers to five SEC Tournament appearances and an NCAA Tournament berth.

"I'm excited to have Coach Blitz join the staff," said Trentham. "Having worked together in the past, we have a familiarity with each other and have experienced success together. He knows what it takes to win and is a great recruiter, but even more importantly, he is invested in mentoring and developing our student-athletes on and off the field. His experience will undoubtedly help our program continue to move forward in a positive direction."

A 2021 Missouri Sports Hall of Famer inductee, Blitz built Mizzou's soccer program into a national contender, earning 300 career head coaching wins. Under his leadership, the Tigers made seven NCAA Tournament appearances, won a Big 12 regular season title and a Big 12 Tournament championship, and became a force in the SEC after transitioning in 2012. His coaching accolades include four conference Coach of the Year honors—first at Butler in 1995, then at Mizzou in 2007 and 2009 (Big 12), and 2015 (SEC).

Blitz's career began at Butler University, where he served as the head women's coach from 1992-96 after working as an assistant for the men's program. In 2012, he was an assistant coach for the U.S. U-23 Women's National Team, helping guide the squad to a Four Nations Tournament championship in Spain. His international experience also includes time as a head coach and lead scout for Rome City Institute in Italy, an official partner of Serie A.

Most recently, Blitz has been involved at the NCAA Division I level as an assistant coach at Washington State (2022-23) and Northwestern (2024). He also coached at the academy level with Chicago FC United, qualifying both the U19 and U16 teams for the MLS NEXT National Championship Cup.

"I am so excited and honored to be part of a new era of Stephens soccer," said Blitz. "I want to thank Coach Trentham and Athletic Director Melinda Wrye-Washington for the opportunity. Go Stars!"

Blitz holds a UEFA B License, a U.S. Soccer A License, and an Advanced National License from United Soccer Coaches. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa and a Master's Degree in Sports Management from Link University/Rome City Institute in Italy.

He and his wife, Alie, reside in Columbia and have four adult children—Abby, Connor, Oliver, and Madison—as well as a granddaughter, Lucille.

Blitz joins a Stephens College program on the rise, bringing a wealth of experience, recruiting connections, and a winning mentality that will help shape the next generation of Stars soccer.