Carin Gabarra is starting her 33rd season as head coach of Navy women's soccer. She is the only head coach the varsity women's soccer team has ever known, taking the Midshipmen from a club program to a varsity sport in 1993. The Navy Letterwinners Association sat down with Coach Gabarra, as her team prepares for pre-season training.

Letterwinners: This is your 33rd season at Navy and you are the longest tenured head coach in the athletic department. In your eyes, what makes Navy such a special place to coach?

Coach Gabarra: I think the longevity piece is pretty simple. It's because I get to work with the best athletes and staff in the country. Everyone here is extremely driven, puts in the work, cares about what they're doing, and is focused on the mission of the Naval Academy. Our school attracts people who want to be here. The athletes want to train hard and they always put the team first. That's an important piece of the way we do things around here.

Letterwinners: What are the major changes you have seen across Patriot League women's soccer?

Coach Gabarra: Soccer has just grown exponentially, especially the support from alumni and the athletic department. Here at Navy, the percentage of women in the Brigade has doubled since I arrived, so we have more opportunities to get great athletes. Across the conference, the standard of coaching has risen. With more support, you get better coaches and greater competition. It's great to see that growth within our sport and in our league.

Letterwinners: Jordan Townsend '26 will be your team captain this year. What leadership skills does she bring to the team?

Coach Gabarra: Jordan will be an excellent leader because she's very easy to follow. As with most programs at Navy, we don't necessarily applaud effort, we expect it. Jordan knows that. You can see her passion, commitment, grit, and willingness to develop at every opportunity. She can be a vocal leader when needed, but she typically puts in the work and builds relationships. Everyone has an immense respect for her.

Letterwinners: Who are the major players you think will step up to contribute this year?

Coach Gabarra: We pride ourselves in having a team full of athletes where anyone can step up to contribute. With that said, Marlee Heaven '26 was a goal scorer for us last year and we expect a lot from her again. Chiara Cosenza '27 is coming back as a junior and has improved each season. Ande Swan '28 played the highest amount of minutes as a plebe last year. Natasha Stramood '28 was the number one goal keeper last year and we are excited to see what she can do in her second season. We have a great mix of talented players and we expect them all to improve and compete for starting positions.

Letterwinners: How does this incoming recruiting class look?

Coach Gabarra: It's a very athletic group. All of our players have a great amount of skill, but this group has athletic characteristics that could really develop over time. We are excited to see what this group of plebes can do.

Letterwinners: Any mantras or key events that you plan to instill in your team this year?

Coach Gabarra: The big one is "Add to the Legacy." The legacy of Navy women's soccer is important to all of us: athletes, coaches, and alumni. We've talked about that legacy for decades now and it is in the fabric of everything we do. That legacy goes beyond the playing field and is something that should make them all proud. 

Letterwinners: Subaru Park in Philadelphia will host both men's and women's Army/Navy star matches this year. Are you excited for the doubleheader to promote excitement for the star series event?

Coach Gabarra: We are excited to make this a premiere event nationally. It's the 250th anniversary of the Navy, so it will be a very meaningful weekend. The publicity of the event has already created a lot of excitement for the players and the fans. It will definitely bring out the best effort from our team.

Letterwinners: As an Olympic Gold Medalist, world champion, USOC player of the year, four-time collegiate all-American, and member of multiple Hall of Fames, what are you most proud of in your soccer career? 

Coach Gabarra: I'm most proud of what our Navy athletes have become, from midshipmen and officers to mothers and leaders in their community. Keeping in touch with them and hearing about things they're doing always makes me really happy. That legacy is bigger than any one person and something that means a lot to me.

Letterwinners: What do you want our alumni to know about your program?

Coach Gabarra: We want our alumni to know how important they are to our current athletes. We have alumni who come back to speak to the team from all different platforms; whether they are just civilians, civilian government, pilots, Marines, politicians, or astronauts. Creating this network is important for our athletes' development and to help strengthen our program.