DENVER – Tracy Chao, MSU Denver's women's soccer head coach, has accepted the same position at Army. 
 
"Although we are very disappointed to have Tracy leave us, we are also excited for her to be able to have an opportunity like this at such a prestigious institution," said Todd Thurman, MSU Denver's director of athletics. "Her contributions here have been great, both in competition and within the department, where she has been an active and valued participant. She has also put the women's soccer program in position for a tremendous future. We wish her well, and we thank her for all she has done at MSU Denver. " 
 
Assistant coach Bonnie Young will serve as the program's interim coach. 
 
MSU Denver's head coach since 2017, Chao compiled a 25-25-5 overall record, including 21-14-3 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. Chao's second team, in 2018, was ranked in the top 10 in NCAA Division II during the season, while the 2019 team was also highly competitive, knocking off a team that would eventually reach the national quarterfinals in an RMAC Tournament game. The 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19, though the Roadrunners are set to play an abbreviated schedule this spring.
  
"It is truly difficult to put into words these past four years at MSU Denver, but I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of MSU Denver, the athletics department and the women's soccer program," Chao said. "We are in the business of people. We bring our own diverse experiences and backgrounds to help our department and each of our programs achieve excellence and success, on and off the field or court. And I have been extremely fortunate to have met so many amazing people, coaches and leaders who have helped me grow in all aspects of my life as well as become incredible friends, peers and mentors.
 
"However, I would not be where I am without each of the student-athletes who I have led and coached. So, to my student-athletes, past and present, thank you for your tireless work and the commitment that you each made to this program, inside and outside the lines. I truly believe the culture and standards that you have continued to create for this program will not go unnoticed. I am so proud of each of you and excited to see where life takes you all. But, most of all, thank you for taking this journey with me."