Bradley Names Matt Blackford Head Coach of Women’s Soccer Premier Club Team

July 28, 2026

Bradley University has named Matt Blackford as the inaugural head coach of its Women’s Soccer Premier Club team, which will begin competition during the 2026-2027 academic year.

A highly respected coach with a long history of success in central Illinois and a current member of Bradley University’s Office of Advancement, Blackford will lead one of four new women’s Premier Club Sports introduced as part of the university’s commitment to expanding athletic opportunities and enhancing the Premier Student Experience. Women’s Ice Hockey, Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Soccer will launch during the 2026-2027 academic year, followed by STUNT and Women’s Wrestling.

“Matt has built a remarkable reputation as a coach, mentor and leader,” said Craig Dahlquist, Director of Premier Club Sports. “His success on the field speaks for itself, as does his commitment to developing student-athletes as leaders and teammates. He is the ideal person to establish our Women’s Soccer Premier Club and build a program that reflects Bradley’s values.”

Women’s soccer remains one of the most popular sports for young women in the United States, with strong participation at the youth and high school levels and continued growth in collegiate competition. Bradley’s Women’s Soccer Premier Club will provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level while building community, leadership and school spirit.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to launch Women’s Soccer at Bradley,” Blackford said. “This is an exciting time for the University and for women’s athletics. I’m looking forward to building a competitive program that provides an outstanding student experience while creating a culture of teamwork, excellence and pride that our players can carry with them long after they leave Bradley.”

Blackford currently serves as director of development at Bradley University, where he works with alumni and donors to advance the University’s mission. Prior to joining Bradley, he served as director of athletics at Peoria Notre Dame High School, overseeing all athletic programs and operations.

As head coach of the Peoria Notre Dame girls soccer program, Blackford compiled an outstanding 236-48-19 record over 12 seasons. His teams won 11 conference championships, 10 sectional titles and advanced to the IHSA State Finals six times, including third-place and fourth-place finishes. He was named the 2005 PASCA Coach of the Year and previously coached at both Loras College and Western Illinois University.

The expansion of Premier Club Sports is made possible through the Nick and Nancy Owens Excellence Fund, established through a generous $1 million gift from Nick Owens ’67 and Nancy Owens. The fund honors their children, Nicholas Owens ’01 and Natalie Owens, and recognizes Bradley Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Reynolds’ dedication to advancing women’s athletics and women’s club sports at Bradley.

For more information about Bradley’s Premier Club Sports offerings, visit bradley.edu/premierclubs.