Marisa Colzie Resigned Her Championship-Winning Position at UBC to Join Her Husband, James Colzie III, on the East Coast

James Colzie III and Marisa Kovac's partnership extends beyond their careers.

December 10, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 9, 2026

James Colzie III, an American college football coach, has been married to Marisa Kovacs, a former head coach of UBC women’s soccer.

She resigned her position as head coach of UBC women’s soccer to join her husband in Halifax.

James Colzie III and Marisa Kovac found a balance between two demanding careers in the world of collegiate sports. They are proud parents of their son, Maxson.

Their story is a remarkable success, mutual support, and a major life decision for the family. They built an impressive career at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Their parallel successes in the same athletic department made them a notable power couple in the university’s sports.

A pivotal moment in their lives came in 2016 when James was named the head football coach at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Marisa made a significant career decision. She chose to resign from her championship-winning position at UBC to move to the East Coast and join her husband.

Their story demonstrates how personal partnership can be the foundation for professional achievement and family life.

Also, see: Former Coastal Carolina and Nebraska Cornhuskers Coach Tim Beck and his Wife, Tamara, have two Children together

Marisa Colzie’s Legacy of Commitment and Championships

Marisa Colzie took the helm of the UBC Thunderbirds women’s soccer program in December 2014 and brought a strong coaching pedigree.

She arrived with valuable experience from two NCAA Division II programs, including the University of West Georgia and Simon Fraser University.

Thank you @SMU_WSoc legend @signabutler for the @cbcsports #icommit campaign nomination this International Women’s Day! #icommit to keeping girls in sport by giving them role models that look like them! Next up @soccercoachvic and @DanielleCyr5.#internationalwomensday #icommit pic.twitter.com/hIC7iRjRAG

— Marisa Colzie (@ColzieMarisa) March 7, 2026

Marisa’s immediate impact at UBC was historic.

She guided the team to both conference and national championships, securing the program’s sixth CIS title in November 2015 at Thunderbird Stadium.

Sadly, she resigned from UBC in 2016.

Her earlier success at West Georgia was foundational. Over the nine years, she developed numerous all-conference and academic award-winners, taking the Wolves to multiple conference tournament semifinals.

Similarly, during her two seasons with the SFU, they made the NCAA Division II championship tournament twice.

An accomplished player herself, Marisa was a four-year starter and captain at NCAA Division I Coastal Carolina. She continued her playing career professionally in the W-League before moving into coaching.

She earned a Master of Education from West Georgia and a Bachelor of Education from SFU during her coaching tenures, balancing team success with academic achievement.

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In Case You Didn’t Know

• 51-year-old James Colzie III was born on December 8, 1974, in Miami, Florida.
• He graduated from South Miami Senior High School and committed to play college football for the Florida State Seminoles.
• He began his coaching career with the FIU Panthers in 2000.

• Check other Articles on
• James Colzie III
• Marisa Kovacs

Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

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