Lynchburg, Va. -- Dr. Todd Olsen has announced that the 2026 season will be his final season as the University of Lynchburg Head Women's Soccer Coach, capping an unprecedented 33-year career on Lakeside Drive for the Pittsburgh, Pa. native.

Olsen, who ranks 10th all-time across all NCAA divisions in women's soccer history and is second all-time of active Division III head coaches in wins with 515, has produced 24 All-Americans, five Academic All-Americans, 17 conference titles, 21 NCAA Tournament appearances, and coached the first-ever National Championship team at Lynchburg. He also ranks among the top 30 women's soccer coaches of all-time and inside the top five of active DIII head coaches in winning percentage at .769 percent.

"As I prepare to coach my final season this fall, I find myself filled with gratitude," said Coach Olsen. "For 33 years, the University of Lynchburg has been so much more than a workplace—it has been my home. Coaching women's soccer has never simply been a profession for me; it has been my passion and my purpose. My greatest joy has not come from championships, records, or accolades, but from the opportunity to walk alongside young women during some of the most formative years of their lives."

In 2014, the Lynchburg women's soccer program went 27-0-1 – tying the Division III record for wins – and defeated Williams, 4-3, in penalty kicks to become the first ODAC women's program to win a National Championship. Olsen was named ODAC, state, regional and national coach of the year that season, while three Hornets earned All-America honors and the team ranked among the national leaders in both defense and scoring.
 

"Dr. Olsen's program has set the standard for what it means to run a high-impact, transformational college program," said Director of Athletics Jon Waters. "He has modeled servant leadership and excellence to the women that have come through his program over the past three decades."

Olsen will continue to teach at the University and expand his role with community-based programming, fundraising and coaching education. 

"Dr. Todd Olsen embodies the very best of the University of Lynchburg. While his extraordinary success on Shellenberger Field has left a lasting legacy, his impact reaches far beyond athletics," said President Selden. "For more than three decades, he has enriched our academic community as a dedicated faculty member and mentor. We are deeply grateful that he will continue to invest in our students and the University through his teaching, mentorship, and service."

"I have been blessed to watch generations of student-athletes grow in confidence, overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and become leaders in their families, careers, and communities," continued Olsen. "Seeing that transformation over four years is what has kept me energized and inspired season after season. Those relationships and the memories we have created together will always hold a special place in my heart.  One of the beliefs that has guided me throughout my career is that 'Empowered Women Empower!'  I hope every player who has been part of our program understands how capable, resilient, and impactful she truly is. If I have played even a small role in helping young women realize their unlimited potential, believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, then I consider my career a tremendous success."

Associate Head Coach, Natalie (Deacon) Beazley '17, will elevate to the head coaching position after serving on the coaching staff since 2017, following a decorated time as a student-athlete with both the women's soccer and women's track programs. Beazley – a member of the 2014 national championship squad – immediately joined the Lynchburg coaching staff after graduation and has been a member of the staff for three conference championship seasons and four NCAA Tournament bids. 
 

"Coach Olsen is one of one - a leader and a person who simply cannot be replicated," proclaimed Coach Beazley. "His impact on players, peers and this University over the last three decades is one that has transformed lives, and will continue to impact the world through the women he has mentored and empowered. The firm foundation and culture of Lynchburg Women's Soccer will always bear Todd Olsen's heart and fingerprints upon it. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Coach Olsen, who has profoundly shaped my life over the last 14 years as my coach and mentor, but above all, as my friend."

During Beazley's women's soccer career as a student-athlete from 2013-16, the Hornets won three ODAC championships and made four NCAA tournament appearances. A two-year captain, Beazley was a three-time All-ODAC selection, a two-time Academic All-American, and the 2016 ODAC/Farm Bureau Women's Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year. After concluding her soccer career, she transitioned to track & field in 2017 and earned three NCAA All-America honors, two in the indoor mile and one in the outdoor 1,500 meters, as well as two additional Academic All-America honors.

Coach Beazley continued: "As I transition into this new role at the end of the season, I am committed to leading the program's next generation in a way that honors the incredible legacy that has come before while continuing to evolve and establish a new, exciting era for future student-athletes. I hold Lynchburg Women's Soccer near and dear to my heart, and I look forward to giving back to this program and this place all that it has given to me."

Olsen on Coach Beazley: "While it is emotional to know that my coaching journey is coming to an end, I am equally excited about the future. There is something incredibly special about knowing that the next leader of this program is someone who once wore a soccer jersey at the University of Lynchburg.  Natalie Beazley has grown from an outstanding student-athlete into an exceptional coach and mentor. I have had the privilege of watching her develop as a leader, and I know firsthand the passion, vision, and care she brings to this program every day. I know that Natalie will lead this program with integrity and a deep commitment to our student-athletes. I could not be more excited for the Natalie Beazley Era to begin in 2027.  Lynchburg women's soccer will be in outstanding hands, and I look forward to cheering on the program I love as it continues to grow and thrive. While my time on the sideline may be ending, my belief in this program, its people, and its future has never been stronger. I have complete confidence that the best days for Lynchburg women's soccer are still ahead."

The Lynchburg women's soccer team is set to begin its 2026 campaign on Friday, September 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Salem, Va. against Hope College. The Hornets will host their home opener against Marymount on Saturday, September 19 at 5 p.m. on Shellenberger Field.

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