UIC women’s soccer head coach David Nikolic added Natalie Caney to the Flames staff as an assistant coach in May 2021. Caney arrived at UIC in the same manner as Nikolic, by way of Northwestern. She served as a volunteer Director of Operations for the Wildcats during the 2020-21 season.
In addition to assisting with team and individual training sessions at UIC, Caney works on scouting the opposition and utilizes her strengths in recruit talent identification. Off the field, she works closely with Student-Athlete Academic Services to aid in the academic progress of the Flames.
At Northwestern, Caney assisted with the creation of practice plans and analysis of statistical data from training sessions and games. She was responsible for cataloging recruit information and corresponding with club soccer coaches about prospective student-athletes.
“I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the women’s soccer program as the new assistant coach,” said Caney. “While working with David [Nikolic], I’ve seen the passion and joy he brings to the table. I look forward to seeing his vision for the UIC program come alive.
“I am eager to start working closely with the team in order to help them continue to be competitive in the Horizon League,” added Caney. “Go Flames!”
Caney holds her "D" license from U.S. Soccer.
Prior to her arrival in Evanston, Caney was a graduate assistant coach of the women’s lacrosse program for two years at Smith College in Northampton, Mass. As an athlete, Caney was a multi-sport standout in lacrosse and soccer at Massachusetts College for Liberal Arts (MCLA). On the pitch, Caney was the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Rookie of the Year and ended her career tied for the program's all-time scoring record. Caney earned All-MASCAC recognition all four years with the Trailblazers.
As a member of the lacrosse team, she was a two-time All-MASCAC honoree finishing her career with 127 points.
Caney earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology with a minor in sports coaching, social work, and women's studies from MCLA in 2017, and a master’s degree in exercise and sports studies form Smith College in 2020. While at MCLA, she was a member of the President's Athletic Advisory Committee, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and L.E.A.D., a summer leadership program at the college. Caney was an NCAA Division III Ethnic Minority Grant selectee and attended the NCAA Convention in 2016.
"From the moment I met Natalie, I was impressed with her eye for the game and drive when given a project to complete,” said Nikolic. “She is meticulous and detailed with her work. Natalie has incredible desire to learn and watches the game at the highest levels constantly. She is thoughtful, honest and hard working. I am excited to watch her and provide guidance as she grows in her college coaching career."
