Paul Hart Named Mizzou Women's Soccer Head Coach

Paul Hart has been named the third head coach in the history of the University of Missouri soccer program, according to an announcement from Mizzou Athletics on Tuesday.

Hart, who currently serves as the associate head coach at Stanford, has signed a five-year contract to lead the program in Columbia. He will remain with the Cardinal through the conclusion of the NCAA postseason, as Stanford continues its season in the tournament after being ranked No. 1 nationally for much of 2026.

The move adds a high-level pedigree to Mizzou. Hart arrives from a top collegiate program, having helped guide Stanford to three consecutive College Cup appearances and two national championship game appearances during his six-year tenure.

“Paul has the experience, vision and championship pedigree we were looking for to lead Mizzou Soccer into its next era,” Laird Veatch, Mizzou Director of Athletics, said.

Beyond tactical preparation, Hart’s impact is often measured by the talent he brings to the pitch. As Stanford’s recruiting coordinator, he helped assemble five consecutive nationally ranked top-five recruiting classes. This sustained success in talent acquisition has built rosters capable of competing for national titles year after year.

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The statistical output of the programs Hart has touched is notable. During the 2025 season, Stanford finished with a 21-2-2 record and led the nation in several offensive categories. The sheer volume of scoring potential under his watch is evident in the following metrics from that campaign:

Metric	Stanford 2025 Stat
Goals per game	3.84
Assists per game	3.76
Total goals	96
Total assists	94
Goal differential	+72

Hart’s influence extends into the professional ranks as well. Since 2020, he has coached 23 players who transitioned to the National Women’s Soccer League and 10 who moved to professional leagues in Europe.

The transition to Mizzou represents a strategic shift for the Tigers as they look to elevate their standing in collegiate soccer. Hart’s expertise is not limited to offense; he has a documented history of developing elite goalkeepers. He helped oversee the development of Ryan Campbell, the 2023 Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year, and Caroline Birkel, the 2025 ACC Goalkeeper of the Year.

His coaching journey has spanned several high-profile programs, including stints at Washington and Oklahoma, as well as San Francisco. Before moving into coaching, Hart was a professional goalkeeper himself, earning four-time Lone Star Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors while playing for West Texas A&M.

For the Mizzou community, the arrival of a coach with this level of tactical and recruiting depth suggests an ambition to move from regional competitiveness to national relevance. Hart expressed his readiness for the challenge, noting his desire to build lasting relationships with student-athletes.

“I’m eager to get to Columbia, build relationships with our student-athletes and begin the work of leading a program that our university and community will be proud to support,” Hart said.

Mizzou Athletics plans to host a formal introductory event for Hart in Columbia at a date to be determined.

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