CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte women's soccer announced updates to its coaching staff ahead of the upcoming season, adding experience, depth, and expanded roles to the Royals program under head coach Shannon Neely Noel.

"We're excited to announce updates to our staff. Not only are we adding quality coaches, but we are also increasing the depth of our coaching roster and expanding the roles within our program. This group is experienced, eager to support our student-athletes, and driven to help this program reach new heights," said Neely Noel.

Kara Haas joins the Royals as an assistant coach, bringing Division I coaching experience and familiarity with the ASUN Conference. Haas most recently served as an assistant coach at Eastern Kentucky University, assisted with full-team training, scouted opponents, and managed video analysis. During her time at EKU, she helped develop an All-South Region freshman goalkeeper and recruited at major ECNL and Girls Academy events. Haas also spent time as a volunteer assistant coach at Stetson University, contributing to practice planning, performance tracking, game-day operations, and team travel logistics.

"Coach Haas joins our staff having spent the early part of her career coaching within the ASUN. That experience, combined with her playing background and familiarity with the league, brings a unique understanding of the conference and a competitive edge that will strengthen our program," said Neely Noel. "Selected from a strong group of applicants Kara stood out for her competitive nature and professionalism. I can't wait to see how she impacts our program right away!"

Queens also announced the addition of Caitlyn Davis as Director of Player Development, a role designed to enhance individual growth, performance support, and analytical development. Davis brings Division I playing and coaching experience after competing for USC Upstate from 2022 through 2024. She has worked in collegiate, club, and scholastic environments, assisting with session design, opponent scouting, and film evaluation, while also providing individualized goalkeeper training. Davis competed at the semi-professional level with Greenville Liberty SC and Soda City SC and holds a background in exercise and sport science.

"Coach Davis joins us in a newly created role and brings a strong aptitude for analytics and player development. We're excited to have her join our program and add valuable depth to the work we do with our student-athletes," said Neely Noel.

Darien Walton returns to the Royals after serving on the women's soccer staff last season and will continue her role as graduate assistant coach, with an expanded influence within the program. Walton brings specialized goalkeeper coaching experience after working with 22GK Academy in Portland, Oregon, where she led technical training sessions and developed goalkeepers in both individual and small-group settings. She also assisted with goalkeeper-specific training at Western Oregon University while completing a four-year collegiate playing career as a goalkeeper in the GNAC, helping her team earn national rankings and postseason appearances.

"Darien returns after a fantastic first fall season. While she continues to focus on the development of our goalkeepers, we're excited about her expanding influence within our team, on field and off" said Neely Noel.

Former Queens men's soccer defender Sam Idinge joins the women's program as a volunteer assistant coach following a decorated Division I playing career. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Idinge competed for the Royals from 2021 through 2024, earning Second Team All-ASUN honors in both 2023 and 2024. He finished his career as the program's all-time leader in minutes played and started all 18 matches during the 2024 season, logging a team-high 1,620 minutes while helping anchor a defense that recorded six clean sheets, the most in the ASUN.

"Sam Idinge joins our coaching staff after completing his undergraduate playing career with the Queens men's soccer program. Sam brings enthusiasm and a strong understanding of our institution and the student-athlete experience, which will be a valuable asset to our athletes," said Neely Noel.

The staff updates reflect Queens' continued commitment to investing in development, support, and long-term growth as the Royals prepare for the upcoming season. Queens is set to begin its spring matches on February 27 against Carolina Ascent.