RENO, Nev. – Second-year head coach Jaime Frias announced the addition of assistant coach Jessica Ballweg to his staff.

Ballweg, a former member of the U.S. National Team programs and a member of Santa Clara’s 2001 National Championship team, comes to Nevada after spending the previous year as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Virginia.

At the University of Virginia, Ballweg’s responsibilities included on and off the field coaching, game-day statistics compilation, video analysis and work with the defense.  Prior to her time at the University of Virginia, Ballweg served as the director of soccer operations at Rutgers University for the nationally-ranked Scarlet Knights.  At Rutgers Ballweg’s duties included on the field coaching, scheduling away games, interaction with opposing coaches for video tape exchange and pre-game logistics for practices, home and away matches.

“Jess is someone that immediately stood out while going through the hiring process,” Frias said.  “She has competed at a very high level as a player and has won championships as a youth national team and collegiate player.  She has been mentored by some of the best coaches in the country and is extremely passionate about coaching soccer.  Her personality, work ethic, passion, and experiences will impact our program and our soccer community tremendously.”

Ballweg has also spent time coaching at the Player Development Academy, the New Jersey ODP U14 team, the U-14 girl’s national soccer camp and the New Zealand Regional Team.

She was a starter at Santa Clara University from 2001-05 and helped lead her team to an NCAA Division I Championship in 2001 as a freshman.  Her team appeared in the NCAA tournament all four years, including two appearances in the NCAA Championship game, and was a two-time selection to the NCAA All-Tournament team.  Ballweg was named the 2002 NCAA Tournament’ Defensive Most Valuable Player.  She served as a team captain in 2004 despite having to redshirt during the season with a leg injury.  

Ballweg also was a member of the U.S. National Team programs and was a starting defender on the U.S. U-19 National Team that won the 2002 U-19 FIFA World Cup.  She was also a member of the U-21 National Team player pool.

A native of Metuchen, NJ, Ballweg graduated from Santa Clara University in 2005 with a degree in English and a minor in studio arts.  She holds a USSF C license.