Though Julianne Sitch has only been with the University of Denver women’s soccer program for a couple of months, she has already found success. Before heading out west, Coach Sitch had a stellar career with the University of Chicago and was the first woman in NCAA history to lead a Division III men’s program to a national championship. 

When sitting down to interview Coach Sitch, she made one thing very clear: she is focused on positivity in her coaching style. After experiencing firsthand the girls’ game against CU Boulder, I could tell she put her words to action on the field. Every girl who was substituted out during the game was met with a high five and words of praise on their performance by the coaching staff as well as the other players on the team.

Here is what Coach Sitch had to say about the team thus far and some behind the scenes on her life outside the Midwest. 

This interview has been modified and shortened for clarity.

LeCompte: What are some of your goals this year?

Sitch: I think the goal was coming in and creating a positive environment, where the athletes feel like they can come be themselves and be in an environment where they can continue to grow and develop as a player and as a person. 

I wanted to have good people surrounding me, so hiring a staff that I felt was on board with the same culture and values and being good people, and I think I hit the jackpot with that. Both assistants have been amazing.

I also wanted to really just continue to develop this program. It has had a lot of rich history of success and I wanted to come in here and continue that but also think “how can I add to that” and “how can we elevate the program” as well as getting the players to believe that we can continue to improve here in Denver. 

LeCompte: How has the transition been coming from a D-III men’s program to a D-I women’s program? 

Sitch: The transition has been great. I love Division III; U Chicago is home to me and will always be home to me. It is where I started my coaching career on the women’s side. I really have a lot of respect for Division III. I loved being there, and I’m really excited for the opportunity to be at Division I and coach here on the women’s side. 

LeCompte: What have you enjoyed about DU thus far into the year?

Sitch: I would say that, one, the people. They’ve been extremely welcoming so I think that has been one of the most positive things.
The team has just come in, they work hard with positive attitudes and are ready to get after it. I like to be in a positive and happy environment, so it has been very good for that. 

LeCompte: What have you been pleased with as far as team development and growth so far this season?

Sitch: The team shows up every single day ready to work, as well as their resiliency and their coachability. They are all extremely coachable; they all want to get better, and they all want to see success for one another. I think that’s really been great and helps with our success. Again, just their coachability and what they are willing to do to support each other. 

LeCompte: How are you feeling about the team heading into conference play this weekend?

Sitch: I am feeling really good. The team has been working really hard in their attitude and in the stuff they bring. We still have levels we haven’t even hit, and we still have a bright future ahead of us. We continue to build off of our last game or last practice. I am really excited to see where this team continues to go. 

LeCompte: What have you enjoyed most about Colorado? 

Sitch: The mountains, it’s always sunny, the blue skies and the people. It just feels like home. I would say the trails, the hiking, the biking. My dog is absolutely loving it and it has been a lot of fun. 

LeCompte: What do you miss about Chicago? 

Sitch: My family and friends, big time. Chicago is a great city, again, it will always be home to me too. I love the city and I really miss my family and friends but they are all going to come to visit so it will be great. 

LeCompte: Outside of soccer do you have any other favorite sports to watch or play?

Sitch: I love to watch gymnastics. I am big into running so marathons and triathlons (swim, bike, run) and love to hike. I love to basically do anything and everything outdoors. 

LeCompte: And finally, pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

Sitch: Oh yes, obviously. Pepperoni and pineapple are the best. You definitely need pineapple on pizza. It is just great.