Austin Backus Enhances Marquette Women’s Soccer Coaching Team

In a big move for Marquette University women’s soccer, Austin Backus is stepping in as an assistant coach. Head coach Chris Allen made the announcement, hinting that Backus could bring some much-needed energy and fresh ideas to the team.

Backus is known for his focus on developing players and digging deep into tactical analysis. That reputation makes him a pretty solid fit for Marquette’s big ambitions, both on and off the field.

Who is Austin Backus?

Backus comes to Marquette after working at FC Wisconsin, where he played a major role in player development. At FC Wisconsin, he ran training sessions for youth teams and worked closely with the U13 and U14 ECNL Regional League squads.

He also spent time helping out with the ECNL and ECNL Regional League teams at the U15 level and up. All this club-level experience has given him the tools he’ll need to hit the ground running at Marquette.

Coaching Background

Before FC Wisconsin, Backus worked as the women’s soccer associate head coach at Madison College (Wis.) during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The WolfPack, under his leadership, put up a 20-7-4 overall record and grabbed two NJCAA Tournament spots, along with seven All-Region selections.

The 2024 season stands out—they finished 12-3-1. Backus didn’t just stick to college coaching, either.

From 2020 to 2022, he served as an assistant coach for the boys’ program at Elkhorn Area High School. The team snagged three straight Southern Lakes Conference championships and WIAA Division I regional titles during his time there.

He also helped out with the girls’ program at Catholic Memorial High School from 2020 to 2024. That team picked up two regional championships and ended up as state runners-up in 2024.

Austin Backus’s Impact on Marquette Women’s Soccer

Backus brings a wide range of coaching experience and a real passion for player development. Marquette’s culture and standards seem to line up with his approach.

Head coach Chris Allen sounded genuinely excited about the hire, mentioning Backus’s upbeat personality and sharp tactical mind.

Player Development

Backus really shines when it comes to developing players. At FC Wisconsin, he spent a lot of time on the training ground with different age groups, from U13 up through U19.

That hands-on experience with young talent should pay off for Marquette, especially as the program works to shape athletes who can succeed both in the classroom and on the pitch.

Tactical Analysis

He has a knack for breaking down the game and spotting strategic opportunities. That skill will help Marquette sharpen their playing style and step up their overall performance.

With Backus analyzing opponents and fine-tuning game plans, the team could see more consistent results.

Backus’s Vision for Marquette Women’s Soccer

Backus says he’s excited about joining Marquette and feels good about the program’s strong culture. He talks about keeping standards high and working closely with the coaching staff to chase the team’s goals.

He’s big on continuous improvement and wants to create a positive environment where players can really grow.

Building a Strong Culture

Backus has made team culture a priority in his past jobs. At Madison College, he helped build a tight-knit, motivated squad that saw real success on the field.

He hopes to bring that same level of commitment and energy to Marquette, keeping the team united and focused.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, Backus doesn’t shy away from big goals for Marquette women’s soccer. He wants to push the team to new heights by drawing on his coaching background and tactical smarts.