Entering her second season at New Mexico State, assistant coach Stephanie Rigamat helped the Aggies to a successful inaugural season in 2009 and a berth to the WAC Tournament. NM State finished the season with a 9-9-1 record that included eight overtime matches.
Along with her solid coaching background and highly impressive playing career, Rigamat assists with nearly every facet of the NM State program, including daily operations, recruiting, travel accommodations, budget, academics and on-field direction.
In 2009, the Aggies ranked No. 15 in the NCAA in attendance with an average of 1,129 fans for the seven home matches in Aggie Memorial Stadium. Rigamat helped the Aggies to the program’s first win, a 2-1 decision at Colorado State-Pueblo, Sept. 4, and first Division I victory at Air Force, 3-2, in overtime, Sept. 6.
NM State had two All-WAC selections in 2009 with goalkeeper Katie Graul (first team) and midfielder Jazmin Cardoso (second team). The Aggies also succeeded in the classroom with an Academic All-WAC member and 11 Academic All-WAC Freshmen/Transfer honorees in 2009.
Prior to joining the Aggies, Rigamat was the head coach/head of college development for the Crescenta Valley Soccer Club and a physical education teacher at the Los Angeles Leadership Academy.
As a member of the CVCS Club, Rigamat’s duties included the teaching of quality training for individuals and teams. She also focused on the development of the college-bound athletes, introducing them to the skills and techniques needed to play at the next level.
Prior to teaching and coaching in California, Rigamat was a women’s assistant soccer coach for UNLV. During her two-year stint with the Rebels, Rigamat had a hand in all areas of the program. She conducted individual and team training sessions, assisted in recruiting, coordinated team travel and managed the academic services for student-athletes.
Rigamat got her start in collegiate coaching at her alma mater, UCLA. As a Bruin, she helped in the organization of practice sessions and managed the league and tournament schedule.
Between her playing and coaching career at UCLA, Rigamat played professionally with the Washington Freedom in the Women’s United Soccer Association and was a member of WUSA Founder’s Cup II Championship team in 2002. She was also a member of the US National Soccer team, where she made seven appearances in 2002 and was a member of the U-21 National Team.
Rigamat graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and was a vital member of the Bruins women’s soccer squad. The All-American guided UCLA to its first ever appearance at the College Cup Finals in 2000. Rigamat also led the team with 13 goals as a senior and broke UCLA’s single-season record for assists with 11.
