Debs Brereton joins the Mighty Lizard coaching staff with a plethora of experience both as a coach and a player at the NCAA Division I level.
Prior to her hiring at TMCC, Brereton served as an assistant coach at the University of Nevada (2022), head coach at Idaho State University (2019-21), associate head coach at Ohio University (2016-18), assistant coach at East Tennessee State University (2011-15), and graduate assistant at Middle Tennessee State University (2008-2010).
During her time spent at Ohio University and East Tennessee State, Brereton helped guide her student-athletes through multiple postseason runs. The Bobcats qualified for the MAC semifinals during her final season in Athens, while the Buccaneers earned postseason berths in four out of her five years spent in Johnson City.
Brereton played her collegiate career at Northeastern State University and Middle Tennessee State University, ultimately earning 2004 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year honors as well as being named to the Sun Belt Conference All-Time Team as one of the top players from 1976 to 2006. Brereton earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from MTSU in 2005 and a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance from MTSU in 2011.
After the completion of her collegiate eligibility, Brereton played in the Women’s Premier Soccer League from 2006-2010. During this time, she amassed minutes with the Nashville Lady Blues, Hampton Road Piranhas, San Diego Sunwaves, San Diego United and Fort Wayne FC.
Brereton has earned a multitude of licenses throughout her coaching career. Starting in 2001, she earned her FA Level 2 in Coaching Football license. In 2006, she completed her United States Soccer Federation D License, and additionally earned her C and B licenses through USSF in 2009 and 2012. In 2015, Brereton earned her USSF A License.
Furthermore, Brereton was named as a participant in NSCAA’s inaugural “30 Under 30” program during the summer of 2013, a year-long mentorship program aiming at fostering the development of up and coming coaches.
Before her time in the USA, the Middlesbrough, England native was a member of the National Women’s Football Academy in nearby Durham from 1999-01 where she participated in the U-16 and U-18 England National team trials. Outside of coaching at the collegiate level, Brereton also works as the Director of Coaching for Sierra Surf Soccer Club here in Reno.
