UNLV Women’s Soccer Welcomes Austin Rios as Assistant Coach
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A new era of leadership is dawning for the UNLV women’s soccer program with the appointment of Austin Rios as assistant coach, announced Friday by Head Coach Kacey Bingham. Rios brings a wealth of experience from multiple collegiate programs and a proven track record in player development and recruiting to the Las Vegas squad.
A Familiar Face Returns to the Southwest
Rios joins the Rebels after two seasons (2024-25) as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Queens University of Charlotte, a member of the ASUN Conference. Prior to his time at Queens, he held assistant coaching positions at Oregon State (2024), Western Oregon (2022-23), and Adams State (2020-22). Notably, he previously worked alongside Coach Bingham at Western Oregon, fostering a pre-existing rapport that is expected to accelerate their collaborative efforts.
“We’re excited to welcome Austin to the UNLV soccer program,” Bingham stated. “He brings a strong knowledge of the game, a passion for player development, and a player-first mindset that aligns perfectly with our culture. Since we’ve worked together in the past, we will be able to hit the ground running. His energy, work ethic, and ability to connect with student-athletes will make an immediate impact on our program as we continue to grow.”
Proven Success in Player Development and Recruiting
During his tenure at Queens University, Rios was instrumental in the program’s growth, focusing on both player development and strategic recruiting. He contributed to the Royals’ appearance in the ASUN Tournament and orchestrated defensive strategies that resulted in shutouts against two nationally ranked opponents – teams within the top-15 in scoring offense. His coaching prowess was further recognized with the development of Sejla Podzic, an All-ASUN defender in 2024.
Rios expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the program here at UNLV. Being back in the Southwest is truly a dream come true, and Las Vegas is a special place with incredible energy and potential. I’m excited to reunite with Coach Kacey and work alongside the staff and student-athletes to help build something special here. This is a program with a strong foundation and a bright future, and I’m proud to be a Rebel. Go Rebels!”
Building on a Foundation of Excellence
Before arriving at Queens, Rios honed his coaching skills at Western Oregon University, where he coached the goalkeepers and defenders for two seasons. His impact was immediate, producing the 2022 GNAC Defensive Player of the Year, Hannah Rispler. Under his guidance, the Wolves achieved program-first milestones, including national rankings and a berth in the GNAC tournament in 2023.
Rios’s coaching journey began as an assistant at Adams State University, following the conclusion of his playing career. As a student-athlete at Adams State, he was a key member of the 2017 team that achieved the highest winning percentage in program history, later serving as team captain in 2019. His collegiate playing experience also includes time at Mesa Community College in Arizona, where he captained the team to four consecutive playoff appearances and earned ACCAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
A native of Buckeye, Arizona, Rios holds a bachelor’s degree in K-12 education from Adams State University. He furthered his playing career with a year in the EPLWA for the Vancouver Victory and a season in the UPSL with Sporting AZ FC.
