Women's Soccer

Entering her ninth season as head coach, Linda Hamilton has since continued to bring the Southwestern women’s soccer team to new heights. Taking over the team to start the 2015 season, she transformed the program into a perennial contender with SCAC Championship appearances in all eight seasons, breaking through as conference champions in 2019 for the first time in program history after defeating Trinity in penalty kicks in the championship match at Southwestern University and making their first NCAA appearance. In a history-making 2021 season, she helped lead the team to their first regional and national ranking in program history, first regular season championship, and acquired her 3rd SCAC Coach of the Year honor.

Hamilton brings a wealth of experience to the program, both as a player and coach. She played collegiately at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina, earning All-America status and all-conference honors all four years. She was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year in 1988. Hamilton was a member of the United States National Team, where she played in 82 international matches. She helped the team to a World Cup gold medal in 1991 and bronze in 1995. In May 2022, she would be recognized for her efforts through her induction to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, elected from the Veteran ballot.

Hamilton, who owns a United States Soccer Federation "A" coaching license, got her start in coaching at Old Dominion University as the team's head coach from 1993 to 1995. She later served as an assistant at Hofstra University (2006-2007) and most recently served as head coach at the University of North Florida (2007-2013). She has additionally worked with the Easter Seals and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2002-2006), serving as director of development.