Iowa State women's soccer coach Matt Fannon revealed this week that he will step down after the 2026 campaign, bringing to a close a seven‑year tenure that has shaped the program’s recent trajectory.
Fannon, who took the helm in 2020, leaves with a career ledger of 105 wins, 100 losses and 37 ties, a record that spans multiple coaching stops before his arrival in Ames.
In a statement released on July 30, the coach cited family considerations as the primary driver behind his decision, while expressing gratitude for the university’s support and the players who have worn the Cyclone jersey.
His overall record at Iowa State stands at 24‑56‑20, including a 9‑39‑9 mark within the Big 12 Conference, numbers that reflect both rebuilding phases and moments of competitive resilience.
The Cyclones concluded the 2025 season with a 4‑9‑4 slate under Fannon’s guidance, a result that set the stage for a fresh start as the program looks to rebound.
Beyond the numbers, Fannon’s journey includes formative years at Davis and Elkins College, followed by coaching stints at Wittenberg University and Bowling Green State University, experiences that honed his tactical philosophy.
A 2022 Des Moines Register investigation had previously detailed allegations of verbal abuse, controlling behavior and body‑shaming directed at former players, claims that the university chose not to address publicly.
Despite the scrutiny, ISU officials remained silent on the report, and shortly thereafter Fannon signed a contract extension that runs through the 2026 season, underscoring the administration’s confidence in his leadership.
The upcoming 2026 schedule opens on August 12 with an away match against Omaha, a 7 p.m. kickoff that will mark the first test of the team’s new direction.
Looking Ahead for the Cyclones
While the program prepares for the new season, attention will also turn to the broader implications of Fannon’s departure for player development and staff continuity.
Fans and alumni alike will remember his commitment to building a competitive culture, even as the team navigates the challenges highlighted by recent scrutiny.