COLUMBUS, Miss. – The W Athletics is proud to announce Stewart Mena as its new head men's soccer coach. Mena is the third men's soccer head coach in program history and joins the Owls after serving as an assistant men's soccer coach at the University of the Ozarks.

"We are excited to have Coach Mena take the reins of Owls men's soccer," MUW Director of Athletics Buddy Foster said. "He brings a wealth of NCAA Division III experience, as well as a familiarity with soccer in this region, to the table. I believe that his enthusiasm, knowledge of the game, and commitment to academic success will all have a positive effect on our program."

Mena joined the UO staff as a volunteer assistant in 2019 and, by 2020, was elevated to the assistant position, in which he served until taking over the MUW program. During his tenure, Mena helped the team to its first conference title in more than a decade in 2020, when the Eagles won the American Southwest Conference crown and were tabbed as the United Soccer Coaches Regional Coaching Staff of the Year. 

Under Mena, players have found individual success, as well. He has recruited and coached a total of 39 all-conference players, four offensive freshman of the year and two defensive freshman of the year award winners, one NCAA III all-region selection, as well as one each for offensive, defensive, and goalkeeper of the year accolades. 

Mena has also worked as a youth soccer coach for five summers (2021-25) with the Texas A&M camps.

Mena's influence has helped his players achieve academically, as well, with 77 of his charges gaining conference all-academic status over the years. Additionally, eight players went on to earn academic recognition at the regional/district level.

"I am extremely honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Mississippi University for Women men's soccer program," Mena said. "I love being part of something special, and I truly believe that The W is just the right community for me. I've had the privilege to work under great coaches and can't wait to showcase what I've learned throughout the years. I want to thank athletic director Buddy Foster, the administration, and the search committee for their trust and belief in my vision."

"This is a program with strong potential," Mena continued. "And I am excited to build a culture based on dedication, resiliency, and fun. I truly believe that if we can focus on that, the good results will follow. My goal is to create a competitive, hardworking, and disciplined team that represents this university with pride both on and off the field. Fans can expect to see a team that will never give up on the pitch and will make the most of every opportunity presented. Most importantly, I will let my players express their creativity in the attack."

As for his own playing career, Mena spent two seasons on the pitch for Ozarks. Earning all-conference honors in both 2015 and 2016. Prior to attending UO, Mena played two campaigns at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (2014-16), earning MACJC all-state recognition.

Mena is a native of Medellin, Colombia, who moved to the United States at age 13. His family settled in Drexell Hill, Pennsylvania, where he attended Upper Darby High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in general studies from the University of Ozarks and his associate of applied arts from MGCCC.