When Alex Place Thomas was named interim head coach of the University of Northern Iowa women’s soccer team in June, it marked a turning point after a difficult chapter in her coaching career. She had just made the hard decision to leave Wartburg College, where burnout had taken its toll. Little did she know, a surprise call about the UNI job would reignite her passion for coaching and give her a newfound sense of purpose.
“I didn’t originally apply for this job,” Place Thomas said. “I was burnt out and had decided to step away from coaching at Wartburg in May. Then, one Friday afternoon, I received a call out of the blue asking if I was interested in coaching at UNI. It caught me off guard. I spent the weekend thinking it over, and by Monday, I said yes.”
Though hesitant at first, particularly about balancing coaching with raising her two-year-old daughter, Place Thomas saw this opportunity as one she couldn’t pass up.
“I knew some of the players and I had a lot of Panther Pride,” she said. “I didn’t want to leave any ‘what ifs’ on the table.”
And so began her journey to lead a program that had already made significant strides, but had yet to reach its full potential.
When Place Thomas took the helm, she inherited a team that had come a long way. Just five years ago, UNI women’s soccer didn’t even have a home field. Now, the program has its own locker room and a distinct sense of identity. But for Place Thomas, this is just the beginning.
“I want this program to be a sought-after destination, especially in Iowa,” she said. “I want to compete for the same recruits as Iowa and Iowa State.”
Building a culture centered on family, love and community, is core to Place Thomas’ coaching philosophy.
“My vision is to create a hometown feel,” she said. “Even though our players come from all over the country — and some internationally — when you step onto the UNI campus, you should feel like you’re part of something bigger. It’s about family here.”
To strengthen that bond, Place Thomas encourages small traditions, like the daily game of soccer tennis before practice, which players have fully embraced.
“I’m here for them first,” she said.
For Place Thomas, the mission goes beyond soccer. She wants her players to leave UNI with more than just improved athletic skills.
“I want them to know that they are loved by me,” she said. “My values are rooted in love, family and faith, and I hope they see that in everything I do. I want them to feel like they’re part of our soccer family.”
This approach is evident in her actions. She often brings her daughter and husband to team events, making her personal life a part of the team’s collective experience.
“It’s not just about soccer for me,” she said. “It’s about building relationships and ensuring these young women feel supported, both on and off the field.”
Before stepping into her current role, Place Thomas already had a track record of success, notably at Cedar Falls High School, where she turned around the soccer program at just 22 years old.
“When I started, the JV and Varsity didn’t even practice together,” she said. “By the time I left, the culture had completely shifted. I’m really proud of that.”
However, her greatest personal accomplishment, she admits, is being a mother.
“Having my daughter was a life-changing experience,” she said. “Now, bringing her around the team, I feel like I’m positively impacting her too. That’s really important to me.”
As for her coaching philosophy, she remains steadfast in staying true to herself, even amid challenges.
“Coaching has its ups and downs and you’ll never make everyone happy,” she said. “But I stay true to my core values. I lead with love, and family always comes first.”
In fact, there was a time when she doubted her ability to balance coaching with her personal life.
“One of the reasons why I hesitated to take this job was because I was burnt out,” she said. “But now, I’ve found balance. This role has given me the space to pursue what I love.”
Her passion for fitness is one of those pursuits. She’s currently preparing for a marathon in January to benefit the American Cancer Society, inspired by her family’s personal battles with cancer.
“I’ve had four family members battle cancer,” she said. “It’s something that hits really close to home for me.”
When it comes to a long-term future at UNI, Place Thomas is optimistic.
“If my five-year plan includes staying here, that would make me really happy,” she said. “I’ll work hard to make this program the best it’s ever been. And I hope that showing up as my true self is enough.”
The defining moment of Place Thomas’ tenure came during a thrilling 4-0 victory over Western Illinois. The win was remarkable not just for the score, but for the way every player contributed — four different goal scorers, four different assists. After the game, the team celebrated with a water bucket dousing for their coach, a moment that initially left Place Thomas feeling uncomfortable.
“At first, I was embarrassed because in my mind, we still have so many more games to win,” she said, “But when I watched the video, I didn’t focus on myself. I focused on the players — how excited they were. They’ve been through a lot, not knowing where the program was headed. To see everyone involved in that win was special. That’s what It’s all about.”
