WELLESLEY, Mass. – January 3, 2025 – Caitlin Pickul, Wellesley College Head Soccer Coach and Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics (PERA) Assistant Professor of the Practice, has announced that she will step down to pursue other opportunities outside of coaching.

"I have truly enjoyed all of my time here at Wellesley College," said Pickul. "The nearly eight years have been such a big part of my life in so many ways. I know the soccer team will continue to push forward and show all that they are capable of on and off the field. I want to thank all of PERA, the soccer team, alums, student-athletes, PE students, faculty/staff who came to my employee wellness classes and everyone else along the way for an amazing time here! Go Blue!"

"Caitlin has been a valued member of our department, and her contributions to the College have been deeply appreciated," said Bethany Ellis, Director of Athletics and Chair of the PERA Department at Wellesley College. "While I respect her decision, it is certainly difficult to lose a coach who has given so much to our student-athletes and to the broader athletics and campus community."     

Pickul spent the past three seasons at the helm of the Blue soccer program and compiled a 15-23-11 record. Under her direction, the Blue earned 41 NEWMAC All-Academic honors, three NEWMAC Offensive Athletes of the Week, a NEWMAC Second Team All-Conference selection, 12 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selections, a United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-Region honoree, and a USC Team Academic award.

Pickul was previously an assistant for the Blue from 2011-2016, while also working as the Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning. In addition to her responsibilities with the soccer program, Pickul taught Couch to 5k in the Physical Education curriculum and was a game manager for events.

A nationwide search for Pickul's successor will begin immediately.