Whyte Named Trojans Women’s Soccer and Futsal Head Coach

CALGARY, ALTA. (January 20, 2026) – Jess Whyte has been named the new head coach of the SAIT Trojans women’s soccer and futsal programs.

The Trojans Athletics and Recreation Department made the announcement (Wednesday), handing the clipboard over to Whyte following the resignation of longtime coach John Talerico in November. Whyte joined Talerico’s staff in 2019 and is sad to see him go, but eager to make him proud by finding her own success in the role.

“John has created quite the program, so there are going to be some pretty big shoes to fill,” said the 31-year-old Whyte. “He’s created a special legacy and had quite a bit of success, so I am excited to continue building on that. I’m nervous but being mentored by John the last five years and learning how it all works has been great, and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Since coming on board, Whyte has helped SAIT’s women’s soccer team earn a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national championship bronze medal (2021), two Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) gold medals (2021, 2023) and a silver medal in 2022.

In futsal, she helped guide SAIT to three ACAC gold medals (2022, 2024, 2025) and a silver medal in 2023.

“Coach Whyte has been an important part of our women’s soccer and futsal programs for a long time now, and her understanding of our culture, our student-athletes and our standards made her a natural choice to step into the role,” said Lauren Kucera, SAIT’s Manager of Athletics and Recreation. “She has earned the trust of the student-athletes and of the staff, and we feel she will continue the good work established by Coach Talerico.”

When Talerico made the decision to step down, he went to bat for Whyte to become the new head coach, saying he knew early on she was the one to take over when he decided it was time. With that in mind, he created opportunities to help her gain confidence in her coaching ability – a gift Whyte is eternally grateful for.

“He allowed me to take the reins in certain situations in order to learn how to manage games and make changes,” said Whyte, who also serves as both the Girls Director and Technical Director for Calgary’s McKenzie United Soccer Club (MUSC). “We played in some high-pressure environments, whether it was at nationals or in gold medals games here in Alberta, and that has really helped develop me as a coach. I always felt very supported by John so I’m sad that chapter is closing.”

While Whyte joined SAIT in 2019, her experience with the ACAC goes way back to 2012.

She played four seasons in the league, splitting time between Olds College (2012, 2013) and Red Deer Polytechnic (2014, 2015) – leading the Queens in 2014 with seven goals in 10 games.

“We are excited to continue working with her in this new role and to support her as she establishes her own approach as head coach,” said Wade Kolmel, SAIT’s Director of Athletics and Recreation.” She knows our program well, brings valuable experience and we look forward to seeing how she shapes the next chapter of our women’s soccer and futsal programs.”

The appointment of Whyte gives SAIT their third female women’s soccer head coach in the program’s history, following in the footsteps of Lisa Cerny (1999, 2000) and Amy Moriyama (2001), who became head coaches of the team following their playing days with the Trojans.

Whyte also becomes the third female head coach currently working in the ACAC’s 14-team women’s soccer loop, joining Catherine Ridgeway at Northwestern Polytechnic and Gadeer Sobh at Concordia University of Edmonton.

With women’s sports skyrocketing in support and popularity, Whyte said it’s important that more females are seen in position of leadership.

“Female head coaches were not common when I was growing up and playing, so being a small part of that change is exciting,” said Whyte. “I’m humbled and driven to continue paving that path, and I do think it makes a difference so even players playing now can see there are those opportunities after they’re done playing to be in those positions.”

Whyte’s first test as head coach comes on the Jan. 24 weekend when her Trojans futsal squad will compete in the ACAC’s first South Regional of the season.