Stetson University Athletics

Jamie Souza returned to Stetson University on Jan. 8, 2024, becoming the fifth head coach in Stetson Women's Soccer program history… His return to DeLand marked his second stint with the Hatters after previously serving as Director of Operations with the Stetson Men's Soccer program in the spring of 2020. Souza's first two seasons leading the Hatters have included the program's highest single-season win total since 2017, multiple All-ASUN and ASUN All-Freshman honors and continued academic recognition. Souza's first season at the helm produced immediate progress as Stetson finished 8-11 overall, recording the program's most victories in a season since 2017… The Hatters also earned three ASUN victories and remained in contention for a conference tournament berth late in the season. Bryn Forchic earned Third Team All-ASUN honors, while Stella Comana was selected to the ASUN All-Freshman Team. Goalkeeper Ashleigh Wise also earned back-to-back ASUN Goalkeeper of the Week honors, becoming the first Hatter to receive the award. Stetson finished the 2025 season with a 5-14 overall record and a 2-8 mark in ASUN play… The season continued the program's emphasis on development both on the field and in the classroom. Hailey Shelly and Taylor Ayres were recognized for their academic success, earning spots on the Academic All-ASUN Team. Individual recognition has accompanied Souza's first two seasons in DeLand… Forchic's Third Team All-ASUN selection and Comana's ASUN All-Freshman honor highlighted the 2024 campaign, while Shelly and Ayres earned Academic All-ASUN recognition following the 2025 season. Souza's coaching background has long emphasized technical development, tactical understanding and helping student-athletes progress both on and off the field. Prior to returning to Stetson, Souza spent the 2023 season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Florida Gulf Coast University… He was part of the staff that guided the Eagles to the 2023 ASUN Tournament Championship. During his season at FGCU, the Eagles produced four First Team All-Conference selections, one Third Team selection and one All-Freshman honoree. FGCU also produced the ASUN Tournament MVP and placed three players on the ASUN All-Tournament Team during its championship run. Souza spent the 2022 season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Rollins College… During his time with the Tars, he helped develop a pair of players who earned both All-Conference and All-Region recognition. His experience at Rollins further developed his background in collegiate recruiting, player development and program operations. Souza's connection to Stetson began in the spring of 2020 when he served as Director of Operations for the Men's Soccer program under head coach Emmett Rutkowski. The role provided his first experience within Stetson Athletics before he continued his collegiate coaching career at Rollins and FGCU… He returned to DeLand in 2024 to take over the Women's Soccer program. A native of Ipswich, England, Souza developed as both a player and coach within the Ipswich Town Football Club system. As a player, he progressed through the club's Academy Development Programme before transitioning into senior men's football at age 16. Souza later returned to Ipswich Town in a coaching capacity, beginning as a volunteer before progressing into a role working with developing players between the ages of 13 and 16… He helped develop numerous players who went on to earn scholarships with Ipswich Town and other professional clubs. Souza also worked within the AFC Sudbury academy system, initially volunteering with the club's full-time U19 Scholars. During his time with the program, AFC Sudbury reached the Junior Cup Final, National Colleges' Cup Final and ESBL Knock Out Cup Final while also capturing the Tommy Thompson Cup, four U18 County Cups, back-to-back promotions and The Primary Cup. His work within the academy contributed to the development of three players who went on to play professional soccer. AFC Sudbury later brought Souza into a leadership role as Head of the Women's Academy… Working alongside Academy Director Danny Laws and Craig Power, Souza helped launch the program and quickly establish it as a competitive academy. The Women's Academy produced strong league finishes and advanced to a National Cup Semifinal during its early years of development. Souza developed as a player within the Ipswich Town Football Club Academy Development Programme in England… At age 16, he transitioned into senior men's football and served as captain of the Suffolk New College soccer team. He helped guide Suffolk New College through a successful National U19 College Cup run while continuing his development in the English soccer system. Souza's coaching career includes stops at Stetson, Florida Gulf Coast, Rollins College, Ipswich Town FC and AFC Sudbury… His experience spans NCAA Division I and Division II soccer, collegiate recruiting, professional academy development and women's academy leadership. His résumé also includes ASUN championship experience and extensive work identifying and developing players across multiple levels of the game. Souza earned his Bachelor of Science in Coaching Performance in Football from Anglia Ruskin University in 2022… His academic background has further shaped his approach to coaching and student-athlete development both on and off the field.