Kristi Huizenga, Vermont- 2025
Kristi Huizenga has spent her career championing opportunities for girls and women in athletics, earning recognition as one of Vermont’s most accomplished and respected coaches. The current head women’s soccer coach at the University of Vermont, Huizenga enters her 15th season at the helm of the Catamounts. She ranks second in program history with 86 career victories and has elevated UVM women’s soccer to new heights, capturing the school’s first-ever America East Championship in 2021. Under her leadership, the Catamounts have achieved the most postseason appearances in program history, setting a new standard of excellence for the program.
Her coaching success has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named the NEWISA NCAA Division I Head Coach of the Year, America East Coaching Staff of the Year, and induction into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. Beyond the wins and accolades, Huizenga has had a profound impact on her players by mentoring young women and fostering a love for sports. At UVM, she also serves on countless national and league committees dedicated to recognizing player and coaching success in collegiate women’s soccer, furthering her influence on the sport beyond her own program.
Huizenga’s passion for sports was evident from a young age. At Colchester High School (VT), she was twice named Gatorade Player of the Year and Vermont Player of the Year, earning first-team all-state honors all four years. She went on to excel at the University of Connecticut, graduating in 2006 after an outstanding four-year career with the Huskies. Her journey as both a standout player and accomplished coach reflects her lifelong commitment to promoting women in athletics.
Off the field, Huizenga’s contributions to her community have been just as impactful. For 18 years, she has volunteered with the Vermont Chargers Wheelchair Soccer program and has been an advocate for accessibility and inclusion in sports. She serves as a consultant for Vermont Green Football Club as the organization works to create a women’s team, and through Champlain Valley Community Fitness she both participates in and encourages women and girls to join local races, triathlons, and weightlifting events. Coach Huizenga’s induction into the New Agenda–Northeast Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of her outstanding achievements and her tireless commitment to advancing girls and women through sports.