SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose State’s Head Coach of Women’s Soccer, Sonia Curvelo, has been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2025 at Mississippi Valley State University, her alma mater, for her contributions on and off the pitch as an athlete and coach.
Curvelo began her historic journey at MVSU, where she was a founding member of the women’s soccer program. She led MVSU to it's first SWAC Championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 2005, earning SWAC tournament MVP honors and making history by assisting the first goal and scoring the game-winner in the championship. A presidential Scholar and business standout, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2007, later earning a Master’s in Sports Coaching Education from Southern Miss in 2013.
Her playing career continued overseas as she competed for the Portugal National Team and professionally in Spain’s Super League with CF Puebla. She also played for three USL W-League teams, including the Rochester Rhinos and Tampa Bay Hellenic.
As a coach, Curvelo has left a legacy at every institution she’s touched. She began her NCAA Division I head coaching career at MVSU (2009–2013), capturing a SWAC Tournament title and Coach of the Year honors in 2012. She went on to lead Cleveland State (2014–2016), where her squads broke program records in goals, assists, and shutouts. At Prairie View A&M (2018–2022), she guided the team to multiple 13-win seasons, two SWAC titles, and two NCAA Tournament appearances—setting new benchmarks for wins, shutouts, and consecutive victories.
At Sam Houston State University, Curvelo continued her coaching excellence, leading the Bearkats to a Conference USA Tournament semifinal appearance in 2023, just one year after joining the league.
A licensed U.S. Soccer "B" coach and certified coaching educator, Curvelo is also a proud graduate of the NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy. Her influence stretches beyond the field, serving on multiple advisory committees and mentoring countless student-athletes who have gone on to professional and national teams.
From SWAC standout to international pro and pioneering coach, Sonia Curvelo embodies what it means to build a legacy of leadership, excellence, and inspiration in the world of soccer.
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