Steven Lindquist is in his first season as head coach of the Southern Utah women's soccer program in 2026, leading the Thunderbirds back into the Big Sky Conference. He was named to the position on April 3, 2026, after serving as interim head coach during the spring. In that role, he led all aspects of the team's spring training and offseason recruiting.
His hiring caps a steady climb through the Southern Utah staff. Lindquist joined the Thunderbirds as a volunteer assistant ahead of the 2021 season. He was promoted to assistant coach and recruiting coordinator after one year and was named associate head coach in July 2024. As associate head coach, he oversaw training implementation, recruiting coordination, video analysis, travel logistics and budget management.
Building the Thunderbirds
Lindquist has been part of one of the most successful stretches in program history. In 2022, Southern Utah's first season in the Western Athletic Conference, the Thunderbirds put together a program-best five-match winning streak on the way to a 9-6-2 finish. The next season, Southern Utah reached its first conference tournament in 15 years.
Player development has been a hallmark of his tenure, particularly with defenders and goalkeepers. With Lindquist working with the backline and keepers, Southern Utah set program records for shutouts in a season (8) and shutouts by an individual (Megan Short, 6).
His recruiting has brought high-level talent to Cedar City, including players with experience with the U.S. U17 National Team, the Mexican U20 National Team and multiple international programs.
"I look forward to continuing this program's commitment to developing strong, confident young women who excel athletically, academically, and personally," Lindquist said when he was hired.
Before Southern Utah
Lindquist came to Cedar City from Oakland University in Michigan, where he spent four seasons on the women's soccer staff beginning in 2017. During his time with the Golden Grizzlies, he coached six All-Horizon League players, three All-Freshman selections and four All-Horizon League Tournament honorees, and he helped make the program a consistent postseason contender.
He also has head coaching experience at the collegiate, club and high school levels, with stops at Washtenaw Community College, Michigan Premier Soccer Academy and the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.
Education and Personal
Lindquist earned a bachelor's degree in education from Valparaiso University and a master's degree in higher education leadership from Oakland University. He and his wife, Kelsey, are part of the Southern Utah and Cedar City community.
