Wake Forest, Tony da Luz Sign Long-Term Contract Extension
11/1/2024 10:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Da Luz is in the midst of his 28th season as head coach of the program and has the Deacs ranked No. 3 in the nation.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest University and head women's soccer coach Tony da Luz have signed a long-term contract extension, Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie announced today.
"I'm honored and grateful for the privilege of leading this program." da Luz said. "I thank John Currie and Wake Forest for supporting me. The contract extension means the world to me and my family. I will work to make the Demon Deacon Nation proud for years to come. Go Deacs!"
"Tony da Luz's impact on Wake Forest women's soccer and the entire university community has been extraordinary," Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie said. "For nearly three decades, Tony has built a championship-caliber program that consistently competes at the highest level in the ACC and on the national stage. His commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes, both on and off the field, is unmatched, and we are thrilled to have him continue leading our program into the future. Under Tony's leadership, the Deacs will keep thriving and inspiring us all – just like they have done this fall!"
As head coach of the Wake Forest women's soccer team for 28 of the program's 30 seasons, da Luz has built the Demon Deacons into an ACC and national powerhouse.
So far this season, da Luz has guided his squad to four-ranked wins, including the first win over a No. 1-ranked team in program history on Sept. 19. The Deacs became the first team in NCAA history to take down a No. 1-ranked team and a No. 2-ranked team in back-to-back matches after downing No. 2 Virginia in Charlottesville on Sept. 15.
Wake Forest has continued to impress, as it went on to defeat reigning national champions Florida State two weeks later. The statement wins helped the Deacs rise all the way up to No. 2 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, the highest ranking in program history.
Wake Forest earned a first-round bye in the ACC Tournament after finishing second in the ACC standings for the second time with a program-record seven wins and 22 points.
Da Luz holds a 315-199-61 record at Wake Forest, with his 315 wins ranking third among current coaches at their respective ACC programs.
Under da Luz's guidance, Wake Forest has earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament and to the ACC Tournament 21 times. In 2011, he achieved his greatest success to date, leading the Demon Deacons to their first-ever College Cup appearance.
Recent years have seen Wake Forest reach a new level of women's soccer prominence. The Demon Deacons captured the 2010 ACC Championship, the first in the history of the program, and made a return trip to the ACC Tournament final in 2011. The 2012 Wake Forest squad finished in a tie for second place in the ACC standings, equaling the program's best-ever finish.
Wake Forest's success under da Luz has not only been limited to the conference level. In addition to their 18-straight NCAA Tournament appearances through 2015, the Deacons also advanced to at least the second round in eight-straight seasons and have reached the NCAA Quarterfinals twice.
Prior to Wake Forest, da Luz spent five seasons at San Diego, where he finished with a 45-41-3 record.
Da Luz was entrusted with starting the San Diego program from the ground up in 1992 and in his final two seasons he guided his teams to a 25-13-2 mark.
Da Luz achieved success as a player as a midfielder and defender while at San Diego. He was an All-WCC honorable mention selection in both 1981 and 1982. As team captain in 1982, he led the Toreros in assists and earned the team MVP award. Da Luz earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from San Diego in 1985.
What They're Saying About da Luz
"Tony was hired as head soccer coach my senior year of college and I've had the privilege of knowing him for the last 28 years as a coach and person. Watching this team grow, mature and seeing the amazing way that Tony shepherds these young players year after year has been inspiring. While excellence was always at the forefront of his coaching style, he always cares the most about the person beyond the field. I felt that at 21 and still feel that today. That is rare and Wake Forest is so lucky to have him."
Kate Parker ('98), Wake Forest Women's Soccer Alum & New York Times Best Selling Author
"It's incredible to see Tony sign on to stay at Wake Forest. He brought the program to new heights when I was with the team from 2010-14 with our first Final Four appearance, and has continued to maintain a competitive program as the college soccer landscape has dramatically changed. This current team has all of us alumni excited about what's to come. We know he's aiming for WFU's first national championship, and we're all along for the ride! Congrats to Tony!"
Aubrey Kingsbury ('14), Wake Forest Women's Soccer Alum & current Washington Spirit Goalkeeper
"I'm proud of Tony and the culture he's cultivated at Wake Forest. He creates a family atmosphere and it's evident that he's going to continue to build upon the success he's had thus far."
Katie Stengel ('14), Wake Forest Women's Soccer Alum & current Crystal Palace Forward
"I'm honored and grateful for the privilege of leading this program." da Luz said. "I thank John Currie and Wake Forest for supporting me. The contract extension means the world to me and my family. I will work to make the Demon Deacon Nation proud for years to come. Go Deacs!"
"Tony da Luz's impact on Wake Forest women's soccer and the entire university community has been extraordinary," Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie said. "For nearly three decades, Tony has built a championship-caliber program that consistently competes at the highest level in the ACC and on the national stage. His commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes, both on and off the field, is unmatched, and we are thrilled to have him continue leading our program into the future. Under Tony's leadership, the Deacs will keep thriving and inspiring us all – just like they have done this fall!"
As head coach of the Wake Forest women's soccer team for 28 of the program's 30 seasons, da Luz has built the Demon Deacons into an ACC and national powerhouse.
So far this season, da Luz has guided his squad to four-ranked wins, including the first win over a No. 1-ranked team in program history on Sept. 19. The Deacs became the first team in NCAA history to take down a No. 1-ranked team and a No. 2-ranked team in back-to-back matches after downing No. 2 Virginia in Charlottesville on Sept. 15.
Wake Forest has continued to impress, as it went on to defeat reigning national champions Florida State two weeks later. The statement wins helped the Deacs rise all the way up to No. 2 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, the highest ranking in program history.
Wake Forest earned a first-round bye in the ACC Tournament after finishing second in the ACC standings for the second time with a program-record seven wins and 22 points.
Da Luz holds a 315-199-61 record at Wake Forest, with his 315 wins ranking third among current coaches at their respective ACC programs.
Under da Luz's guidance, Wake Forest has earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament and to the ACC Tournament 21 times. In 2011, he achieved his greatest success to date, leading the Demon Deacons to their first-ever College Cup appearance.
Recent years have seen Wake Forest reach a new level of women's soccer prominence. The Demon Deacons captured the 2010 ACC Championship, the first in the history of the program, and made a return trip to the ACC Tournament final in 2011. The 2012 Wake Forest squad finished in a tie for second place in the ACC standings, equaling the program's best-ever finish.
Wake Forest's success under da Luz has not only been limited to the conference level. In addition to their 18-straight NCAA Tournament appearances through 2015, the Deacons also advanced to at least the second round in eight-straight seasons and have reached the NCAA Quarterfinals twice.
Prior to Wake Forest, da Luz spent five seasons at San Diego, where he finished with a 45-41-3 record.
Da Luz was entrusted with starting the San Diego program from the ground up in 1992 and in his final two seasons he guided his teams to a 25-13-2 mark.
Da Luz achieved success as a player as a midfielder and defender while at San Diego. He was an All-WCC honorable mention selection in both 1981 and 1982. As team captain in 1982, he led the Toreros in assists and earned the team MVP award. Da Luz earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from San Diego in 1985.
What They're Saying About da Luz
"Tony was hired as head soccer coach my senior year of college and I've had the privilege of knowing him for the last 28 years as a coach and person. Watching this team grow, mature and seeing the amazing way that Tony shepherds these young players year after year has been inspiring. While excellence was always at the forefront of his coaching style, he always cares the most about the person beyond the field. I felt that at 21 and still feel that today. That is rare and Wake Forest is so lucky to have him."
Kate Parker ('98), Wake Forest Women's Soccer Alum & New York Times Best Selling Author
"It's incredible to see Tony sign on to stay at Wake Forest. He brought the program to new heights when I was with the team from 2010-14 with our first Final Four appearance, and has continued to maintain a competitive program as the college soccer landscape has dramatically changed. This current team has all of us alumni excited about what's to come. We know he's aiming for WFU's first national championship, and we're all along for the ride! Congrats to Tony!"
Aubrey Kingsbury ('14), Wake Forest Women's Soccer Alum & current Washington Spirit Goalkeeper
"I'm proud of Tony and the culture he's cultivated at Wake Forest. He creates a family atmosphere and it's evident that he's going to continue to build upon the success he's had thus far."
Katie Stengel ('14), Wake Forest Women's Soccer Alum & current Crystal Palace Forward
Coach Jake Dickert Press Conference (Sept. 22, 2025)
Monday, September 22
Wake Forest Football Head Coach Jake Dickert Press Conference (Week 5)
Monday, September 22
Football Media Availability (9/18/25)
Thursday, September 18
Matt Barrie SportsCenter at Wake Forest with Demond Claiborne
Wednesday, September 10