BYU women’s soccer head coach Jennifer Rockwood announced on Mar. 26 the appointment of former Cougar standout Mikayla Cluff as the new director of player development.
The move brings a well-known figure back to the program, with Cluff expected to share her experience from both collegiate and professional play with current and future players.
“We are so excited to welcome Mikayla back to the BYU Soccer family,” Rockwood said. “She left an incredible legacy as a player, and now after years of competing at the professional level she returns to continue building on that foundation. Her wealth of experience and knowledge of the game will be an enormous benefit to our current roster and the next generation of Cougar players.”
Cluff, originally from Kaysville, Utah, recently concluded her career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She was selected 14th overall by Orlando Pride in the 2022 NWSL Draft and played five seasons professionally, including time with Orlando Pride, Utah Royals, and Seattle Reign FC. Before announcing her retirement in January, she made 58 league appearances with four goals and one assist.
During her time at BYU, Cluff became one of its most decorated athletes: she was a four-time All-American, three-time All-West Coast Conference first team selection, two-time WCC Player of the Year, MAC Hermann Trophy finalist in her senior year (2021), and Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Year. That same season saw her lead BYU to its first national championship appearance.
Cluff leaves behind several records at BYU: second all-time in both goals (53) and assists (39), tied for second in multiple-goal games (11), holds school record for career shots (417), and is tied for most multiple-assist games (seven). She appeared in 93 matches during her college career.
Cluff is married to Jackson Cluff, a fellow BYU alumnus who plays minor league baseball.
