Inside the Game Guest Feature: Tony da Luz, Wake Forest Women’s Soccer Head Coach

Jonathan Turner
Sep 22
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

For nearly three decades, Tony da Luz has been the architect of one of college soccer’s most consistent programs. As head coach of the Wake Forest women’s soccer team for 28 of the program’s 31 seasons, he has built the Demon Deacons into a respected ACC contender and a national presence.

Through the end of 2023, da Luz owns a 303-196-58 record at Wake Forest. His 303 victories rank third among all ACC women’s soccer coaches since the conference began sponsoring the sport in 1987. His impact, however, extends well beyond the win column.

Building a Powerhouse

Under da Luz’s leadership, Wake Forest has earned 21 NCAA Tournament bids in 27 seasons, highlighted by the program’s first College Cup appearance in 2011. That same era also produced the Deacons’ first ACC Championship in 2010, followed by another trip to the ACC Tournament final in 2011. The 2012 team equaled the program’s best-ever conference finish, tying for second.

The tradition of postseason play has remained a constant. No class under da Luz has gone without reaching the ACC Tournament, and his teams have consistently been nationally ranked, advancing to the NCAA second round or beyond 13 times.

Wake Forest has also developed a reputation for producing standout players. Katie Stengel became one of the most prolific forwards in ACC history, winning the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award in 2011 and earning All-America honors four times. Goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe set the program’s shutout record before moving on to a decorated professional career.

In total, 53 Demon Deacons have earned All-ACC recognition under da Luz, while nine have been selected in the NWSL Draft in the last four years alone. His ability to prepare players for the next level has been a hallmark of the program.

Sustained Excellence

The past few seasons have reinforced Wake Forest’s reputation. In 2023, the Deacs set a program record with only two regular-season losses, remained unbeaten at home, and avoided being shut out for the first time in team history. Forward Caiya Hanks earned Second Team All-ACC honors, while freshman Dempsey Brown joined the long line of Deacs to be named to the league’s All-Freshman team.

The 2022 squad reached the NCAA Tournament once again, ranking top-50 nationally in goals against average and shutouts, while leading the ACC in fewest goals allowed. That same defensive discipline carried over to 2021, when Wake Forest tied its program record with 12 shutouts and defeated No. 2 Duke in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals—its highest-ranked win in school history.

A Legacy in the ACC

Recognized as the ACC Coach of the Year in 1998, da Luz has built Wake Forest into one of the most stable programs in the country. His teams play with discipline, balance, and resilience, hallmarks that continue to define his tenure.

Off the field, da Luz and his staff have also produced strong student-athletes, consistently placing players on All-ACC Academic and regional honor teams. His influence has stretched from Winston-Salem to the professional ranks, leaving a lasting mark on American women’s soccer.