CU Denver Appoints Matt Salis as new Head Men's Soccer Coach

September 2025 - Denver, CO - The University of Colorado Denver is proud to announce the recent appointment of Matt Salis as the new head coach of our men’s soccer team. This marks an exciting new chapter for the program and the University’s athletic ambitions.  

Growing up in Southern Indiana and Kansas City - areas known for their deep-rooted soccer culture - Coach Salis brings a wealth of experience and passion to CU Denver with a strong track record of building competitive teams and fostering player development both on and off the field. In addition to leading CU Denver’s men soccer team, Coach Salis is also actively involved with the local community, coaching teams within Jefferson County and Denver Public Schools

Coach Salis emphasizes that all roles on the team, big and small, have a significant influence on overall performance. “The psychology involved with coaching is amazing”, says Salis, “One of the things that I spend a lot of time with on the men’s side is convincing the players how important their role is even when they’re not in the game. Cheering from the sidelines, going hard in training to make the starter in front of them a better player, it’s vital and it’s crucial.” 

As the team embarks on the season ahead, Coach Salis’s passion for team morale and comradery will undoubtedly continue to move the program in a positive direction.This season, the team is most hyped for the games against the University of Colorado Boulder and the cross campus rivalry with Metro State University. 

Beyond his work with the men’s program, Coach Salis has also expressed a strong desire to help establish a women’s soccer team at CU Denver - a goal that aligns with the university’s broader commitment to equity in athletics and expanding opportunities for student-athletes. 

“I’m super fired up about the potential to get a women’s soccer team going here at CU Denver. Our sports are student run and managed, so we need some women stepping up and showing their interest”, says Salis. 

While still in the developmental stages, the idea of creating a women’s soccer team has already sparked interest among students and staff. University officials say they are exploring the possibility of launching a women’s team in the coming years, pending further planning, funding, and student support. 

CU Denver students and fans can look forward to meeting Coach Salis at upcoming athletics events. For more information about the CU Denver men’s soccer program or to follow the team’s progress, visit our Athletics Website or follow us on Instagram.