Juli Nield is in her third season as an assistant coach for Utah Tech women’s soccer in 2025. The Utah Tech/Dixie State alum rejoined the coaching staff in August of 2023.
In 2024, Nield helped the Trailblazers to a third-straight WAC Tournament appearance and a 5-7-5 record. Utah Tech opened the season undefeated through the first five matches (3-0-2). The Trailblazer defense was much improved, allowing 12 fewer goals than the previous season and posting three shutouts. UT took down rival Southern Utah, 4-0, on the road to earn its spot in the 2024 WAC Tournament. The team had four Trailblazers recognized by the WAC in its postseason awards: Gracie Knutzen and Lacy Fox were named Second Team All-WAC and Adele Faller and Bre Koscielski made the All-WAC Freshman Team.
After winning the 2023 season opener against South Dakota, 3-1, Utah Tech scored two or more goals in the next nine matches and improved its scoring output by six goals when compared to the prior year on its way to an 8-7-5 record, including a trip to the 2023 WAC Women’s Soccer Tournament. The team also had six players recognized by the WAC in its postseason awards: Gracie Knutzen and Brynlee Rider were All-WAC Second Team selections while Ella Rusick was named to the All-WAC Freshman team; Michelle Rodriguez, Emily Garbett and Tessa Thornton all received votes.
She has been an integral part of the soccer growth in Southern Utah, having aided in building multiple soccer clubs in St. George. She currently coaches at 7 Elite Soccer Academy after spending six years as an assistant at Dixie High School.
Nield was a part of the Dixie College 2003 NJCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship team and earned All-American honors. She has previously served as an assistant coach with the program for three seasons after her playing career ended, helping the program become the 2009 Pacific West champions and earn a spot in the NCAA West Regionals. She also played for FC St. George in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL).
A 2006 graduate of the DSU Nursing program, she works as a registered nurse when she isn’t coaching. Nield and her husband Nick have five children who can all be found on the soccer field.
