RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University head women's soccer coach Matt Cosinuke announced updates to his 2026 coaching staff on Tuesday afternoon.
 
"I am very excited about the continued growth and quality of our coaching and support staff," said Cosinuke. "We have a special environment and culture. Our assistants are arguably the biggest driving force behind it and have helped this family to new heights each year. The future is bright."
 
Darus Ward, who has served as an assistant coach since the 2024 season, has been promoted to associate head coach. During his time with EKU, he has helped guide the Colonels to 22 victories, two appearances in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament, and a conference championship appearance in 2024.
 
Over the past two seasons, Cosinuke's staff has helped elevate the program to new heights. EKU posted two of the five winningest seasons in program history, finishing with 12 victories in 2024 and 10 in 2025, tying for the second- and fourth-most wins in a single season.
 
During that stretch, the Colonels set program records with 30 goals (2025), 32 assists (2025), 92 points (2025), and 287 shot attempts (2024), establishing one of the most productive offenses in not only the ASUN Conference, but all mid-major programs.
 
"Darus is just special. His impact on our family has been massive," said Cosinuke. "We are blessed to have him as a part of this family and look forward to watching his career progress at EKU and into the future."
 
Individually, four different Colonels earned United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-South Region honors, accounting for four of EKU's seven all-time selections since the program began in 2005.
 
Since 2024, EKU has also earned 20 ASUN postseason honors from 10 different student-athletes, including four Second Team All-ASUN selections, six Third Team picks, four All-Freshman Team selections, and three All-Tournament Team honors.
 
Wyatt Burrows has also been hired as an assistant coach following professional experience in Major League Soccer (MLS), the United Soccer League (USL), and at Nebraska Wesleyan. He will help oversee EKU's goalkeepers during the 2026 season.
 
"Wyatt is a special coaching talent and a high character individual," said Cosinuke. "He possesses a skill set and professional experience that will immediately impact our players and program. He is driven and has an elite work ethic. We can't wait to get started."
 
Burrows previously worked with Loudoun United FC, D.C. Power FC, and Union Omaha in various coaching and performance roles in the USL. In 2025, he served as a performance analyst with D.C. United's first team in the MLS.
 
He also serves as an assistant coach with the Samoan Women's National Team and helped the program earn a bronze medal at the 2025 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women's Nations Cup. Samoa also qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup for the first time in program history.
 
EKU finished the 2025 season with a 10-4-5 overall record and an unbeaten 7-0-3 mark at home. The Colonels advanced to the ASUN Tournament for the fifth straight season advancing to the quarterfinal round.