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Dominican University of California Athletics

Tara Koleski

Tara Koleski

Koleski has had stints as associate head coach at University Northern Iowa and as head coach for two seasons apiece at UMBC (2006–07, 7-26-3) and West Chester University (2004–05, 31-9-5). In 2005, Koleski led West Chester to a program-best 20-2-2 overall record and its third straight NCAA Division II tournament appearance. The Golden Rams were ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation and reached the quarterfinals for the first time in school history. Koleski was named the 2005 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Northeast Region Coach of the Year,  the Southeast Pennsylvania Coaches Association (SEPCA) Women's College Coach of the Year, and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Coach of the Year. Koleski has a USSF B license, NSCAA Premier and DFB B license.

Before transitioning into coaching, Koleski had a successful playing career. She was a member of the United States U-21 National Team in 1996–97, then went on to play professionally in Germany in 1999 and 2000. Koleski was drafted in the 11th round by the San Diego Spirit of the Women's United Soccer Association in 2001, and also played for the Philadelphia Charge and New York Power. She was part of the full United States women's national team pool in 2002.

In 1999, Koleski earned her BA in Sociology from University of Portland. An All-American forward and outside midfielder at UP, the Phoenix native helped lead the Pilots to the NCAA Final Four in 1996 and 1998. She also earned First-Team All-West Coast Conference honors. She was an Umbro Select Senior All-Star and was named to the Far West Regional Team.

Before rejoining the college ranks with Dominican, Koleski served as the head soccer coach at Chandler High School in Arizona, where she was named 2013 Girl's Soccer Coach of the Year by the Chandler Unified School District. She also served as director of coaching and head coach for Arizona Soccer Club for five years.

Koleski served briefly as the head coach of the semi-professional Rochester Reign of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), and served as a volunteer assistant coach at Swarthmore College (2003) and Villanova University (2002).

She has two children, Justin and Zander.