WARRENSBURG, Mo. – University of Central Missouri Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Matt Howdeshell announced on Tuesday, Feb. 17, that Jennies Soccer head coach Lewis Theobald has signed a two-year contract extension through the 2029 season.

"UCM Jennies Soccer has seen significant success under Coach Theobald's leadership, reaching national relevance, and consistently rewriting the record books," Howdeshell said. "At this stage in the evolution of the program, continuity and stability are critical. We look forward to having Coach Theobald and his family at the University of Central Missouri for many years to come. It's a privilege to partner with him to build a program that makes everyone associated with UCM Athletics proud. Go Jennies!"

The new contract is highly competitive in the MIAA and NCAA Division II and provides incentives for MIAA championships, postseason appearances and achievements, coach-of-the-year awards, and academic achievements.

"I am excited, humbled, and honored to sign a contract extension to continue to lead our soccer program," Theobald said. "Thank you to Dr. Matt Howdeshell and President Roger Best for their continued support. Our staff has lofty goals for the future, and we believe the best is yet to come for Jennies Soccer."

Theobald, who recently completed his 18th season as head coach of the Jennies, has transformed the Jennies soccer program into one of the premier programs not only in the MIAA, but in all of NCAA Division II.

The 11-time MIAA and five-time region Coach of the Year has an impressive 319-57-31 (.822) record. He recorded more wins in his first three seasons than any other coach in school history and is the all-time winningest coach in both Jennies Soccer and MIAA women's soccer history. He brought home the program's first-ever National Championship in the 2017 season.

Through the 2025 season, Theobald is the second-winningest active head coach in NCAA Division II Women's Soccer with a .822 winning percentage.

Theobald has led Central Missouri to 13 MIAA Regular Season Championships, seven MIAA Tournament Titles, and six NCAA-II Regional Championships in his tenure in Warrensburg.

Under Theobald, the Jennies have made 15 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Tournament.

During his tenure, Theobald has coached 23 All-Americans in Mikayla Ernst, Ashleigh Martin, Andree Orcutt, Lindsay Edmonds, Julia Kristensen, Kassie Newsom, Caroline Cole, Ana Dilkes, Emily Eldridge, Baylie Edwards, Randi Fernsler, Allysa Gann, Kayla Hamner, Julie Ireland, Becky Lackey, Cindy Lackey, Abby Rhodes, Alyssa Rhodes, Jada Scott, Carly Stanley, Jenna Stones, Makayla Toth and Megan Woolley and has led 58 players to All-Region status. He also coached Dilkes, a goalkeeper, to a National Player of the Year honor during the 2017 season.

He has coached 148 All-Conference players, including Most Valuable Players Melanie Hall, Kayla Shain and two-time Player of the Year Alyssa Rhodes; Offensive Players of the Years Carly Stanley, Julie Ireland, Jada Scott, Kassie Newsom and Julia Kristensen; Freshmen of the Year Alyssa Rhodes, Stanley, Hannah Pyle, Alexis Robbers, Nicki Wisnasky, Caroline Cole, Julia Kristensen and Izzy Joyce; Defenders of the Year, Emily Eldridge, Allysa Gann, Cindy Lackey and Abby Rhodes; two-time Goalkeeper of the Year Lindsey Johnson and four-time Goalkeeper of the Year Ana Dilkes.

A 1999 graduate of the University of Kansas, Theobald received his bachelor's degree in education with a concentration in physical education.

He is married to Kelly Theobald and has five children: Gavin, Gareth, Alec, Mason, and Meredith.