Aston Rhoden

Biography

No other coach has embodied and embraced the sport of soccer at Middle Tennessee like 24-year mentor Aston Rhoden. During his tenure with the Blue Raiders, which started in 2002, he has lifted the program to new heights on and off the field, while exhibiting his core team ideals of Pride. Passion. Purpose. In his 24th season in Murfreesboro, Rhoden led the Blue Raiders to an the Blue Raiders achieve an 11-6-3 overall record and secure a spot in the CUSA Tournament, where they made it to the semifinals thanks to a golden goal from Hannah Murphy during the overtime win against FIU in the quarterfinals. In conference play, Middle Tennessee finished with a record of 5-2-1 in 2025, with victories against Jacksonville State, Louisiana Tech, Kennesaw State, FIU, and UTEP. Six players from the Blue Raiders received Conference USA All-Conference Honors, including senior forward Emma Pettersen, who made the First Team All-Conference. Graduate defender Emma Brown earned Second Team honors and was also on the All-Academic Team. Junior defender Sadie Sterbenz and senior forward Idun Kvaale were named to the Third Team, while freshmen Alli Craig and Scottie Newton were recognized on the All-Freshman Team. In his 23rd season in Murfreesboro, Rhoden led the Blue Raiders to an 8-10-1 overall record and a CUSA Tournament berth, reaching the semifinal following a penalty shootout win over Sam Houston in the quarterfinals. In conference play, Middle Tennessee went 5-4 in 2024, including wins ove