Former Rocket standout Vicki Traven has been named assistant women's soccer coach at the University of Toledo, head coach Brad Evans announced on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Traven will assist with all aspects of the program, including training and developing the goalkeepers, video breakdown and creating highlight videos.
"I'm thrilled to have Vicki join our staff," Evans said. "After literally looking at hundreds of resumes, Vicki's name continually rose to the top for a variety of reasons. She is extremely intelligent and a tremendously hard worker and these traits are a part of her character. Her problem solving skills, her passion for teaching and her thirst for learning are impressive factors that tell me that she will continue to grow and improve. Her commitment to this program and experience with what it takes to win titles and play in the NCAA Championship were also huge factors in bringing her on board, and I believe will greatly benefit our entire team."
Traven is a 2012 Toledo graduate with a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a concentration in pre-medical studies. She enters the collegiate coaching profession following a record-setting career for the Midnight Blue & Gold, where she was a four-year starter (2008-11) between the posts. A two-time all-conference selection (first team in 2011, second team in 2010), Traven wrapped up her illustrious career ranked first in the MAC record books in shutouts (34), second in minutes played (6,972:07) and fourth in goals-against average (0.81). She also tops the UT annals in career victories (51).
A stalwart in goal, Traven was a school-record seven-time MAC Defensive Player of the Week honoree (once in 2008, once in 2009, three times in 2010 and twice in 2011).
Traven was part of UT's 2011 senior class that collectively won a school-record tying 56 matches, capturing three MAC regular-season titles (2008, 10, ‘11) and two conference tournament crowns (2008, ‘11).
As a senior in 2011, Traven was also chosen first-team All-MAC, first-team Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association (OCSA) and first-team Academic All-Ohio. She appeared in 22 matches, tallying a 14-6-1 record with a 0.90 GAA and eight shutouts. Traven ranked third in the league in blankings, fourth in GAA and seventh in save percentage (.768).
As a junior in 2010, Traven was named second-team all-conference. She saw action in 20 matches and went 14-4-2 with a 0.79 GAA and a school-record 10 shutouts. Traven logged 1,820:23 in goal and finished first in the MAC in blankings, fourth in GAA, fifth in save percentage (.838) and sixth in saves (83).
As a sophomore in 2009, Traven finished 9-5-4 with 0.80 GAA and seven shutouts in 20 matches. She totaled 1,806:14 in goal and ranked third in the MAC in blankings, fourth in GAA, tied for fourth in saves (77) and fifth in save percentage (.828).
As a freshman in 2008, Traven posted a 14-3-0 record with a single-season school-record 0.75 GAA and nine shutouts, en route to becoming the first Rocket to garner MAC Freshman of the Year honors. She finished fourth in the MAC in GAA and save percentage (.845), fifth in shutouts per match (0.47 spm) and tied for ninth in saves.
An excellent student in the classroom as well, Traven was a three-time Academic All-MAC selection.
Last fall, Traven served as a volunteer assistant for the Rockets. She assisted the coaching staff in team practices and matches, as well as instructed goalkeeper training.
Prior to working at UT, Traven served as a staff coach for the Metro FC Toledo Club for one year for U-11, U-13 and U-14 girls and for the Toledo Football Academy for two years for U-11 through U-18 boys.
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