Tara McQueen’s Path from George Mason Soccer to the SEC
April 1, 2026
By Kiersten Caputy
For Tara McQueen, BS ’19 Sport Management, the journey from George Mason student-athlete to Division I assistant coach has been built on discipline, mentorship, and a commitment to helping student-athletes grow both on and off the field.
McQueen recently stepped into a new role as Assistant Coach for Auburn Tigers Women’s Soccer, competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive environments in collegiate athletics. For her, the opportunity represents both professional growth and a chance to shape the next generation of athletes.
“Joining the Auburn Tigers women's soccer staff is an incredible opportunity,” McQueen said. “Competing in the Southeastern Conference means being part of one of the top environments in collegiate soccer, and I’m grateful for the trust to contribute to a program with such high standards. It’s a chance to keep growing as a coach while helping our student-athletes succeed both on the field and in life.”
McQueen’s path to coaching began during her time at George Mason University, where she found the perfect intersection between athletics and academics through the Sport Management program at the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
Photo by Drew Barton
“My time at George Mason University played a huge role in shaping my path, both within athletics and academically,” she said. “I was originally drawn to the Sport Management program because it combined my passion for athletics with the business side of sports, giving me a broader understanding of how programs operate beyond just competition.”
As a student-athlete, McQueen balanced the demands of competition, academics, and leadership. The experience helped build the foundation for her coaching philosophy today.
“Balancing academics and athletics taught me discipline, time management, and accountability,” she explained. “Managing practices, competitions, and coursework required me to stay organized and focused. It also shaped my leadership style. Being part of a team reinforced the importance of communication, trust, and leadership by example. I learned to stay resilient, support others, and consistently show up prepared.”
Photo by Drew Barton
Hands-on experiences reinforced those lessons she pursued during her time at George Mason. While competing, McQueen also sought opportunities to learn the operational side of athletics.
“My time as a student-athlete gave me firsthand insight into the demands, structure, and expectations of high-level programs,” she said. “While playing, I also got many hands-on experiences by coaching local high school soccer teams and working game day operations at George Mason. These roles helped me understand the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a program running efficiently.”
Mentorship also played a significant role in her development.
“I would not be where I am today without my George Mason soccer coaches,” McQueen said. “Learning from my amazing coaches and mentors in the athletics department helped me develop professionalism, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of NCAA standards.”
Her education in sport management continues to influence how she approaches coaching and program development.
“My sport management background gives me a more strategic approach to coaching and program operations,” she said. “Beyond just the technical side of the sport, I understand budgeting, compliance, recruiting logistics, branding, and long-term program planning. That perspective helps me think beyond day-to-day practices and focus on sustainable success.”
For McQueen, coaching goes far beyond performance on the field. She sees her role as helping student-athletes grow into confident leaders and professionals.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to impact student-athletes during such an influential time in their lives,” she said. “Being part of their growth as competitors, but also as students and young professionals. Watching them develop skills, overcome challenges, and mature into leaders is what makes the work meaningful.”
Throughout her career, she has learned that leadership in athletics is grounded in consistency and service.
“Leadership is built on consistency, trust, and service,” McQueen said. “The most effective leaders model the standard every day. Showing up prepared, staying composed under pressure, and holding yourself accountable sets the tone for everyone else. Most importantly, leadership is about developing others.”
At George Mason, McQueen found inspiration not only from her coaches but also from faculty who helped prepare her for the professional world.
“I truly loved all of my professors in the CEHD sport management program,” she said. Professor Craig Esherick had a strong influence on me from a coaching perspective. His classes provided valuable insight into college athletics, and hearing about his experiences as a college basketball coach made the material come to life.”
She also credits Charles Casserly and Jacqueline McDowell, faculty in the Sport Management program, for shaping her professional perspective.
“In my senior year, Professor Casserly taught me practical skills about interviewing and preparing for the job market that still helps me today,” she said. “Associate Professor McDowell challenged me to think outside the box and consider different perspectives, which continues to shape how I approach daily tasks and decisions.”
Looking back, McQueen says the connections she built through the program were just as valuable as the classroom experience.
For current CEHD students and alumni who hope to pursue careers in collegiate athletics, McQueen encourages them to pursue every opportunity to gain experience.
“My biggest advice would be to gain as much hands-on experience as possible,” she said. “Seek internships, volunteer roles, graduate assistantships, or any opportunity that gives you exposure to the day-to-day operations of athletics. The relationships you build and the practical knowledge you gain are valuable.”
As she begins this next chapter at Auburn, McQueen is focused on contributing to a strong team culture while continuing to grow as a coach.
“When I look ahead, I’m most excited about the opportunity to make a real defensive impact at Auburn and contribute to a championship-level culture from day one,” she said. “I’m excited to work alongside Associate Head Coach Drago, one of the best defensive coaches in the college game.” She also looks forward to continuing to develop her goalkeeping unit and learning from the Auburn coaching staff and support team.
While she embraces the future, McQueen remains grateful for the place where her journey began.
“I cannot wait to coach my first season at Auburn,” she said. “I will forever be grateful for my time at George Mason. Go Patriots. And now, War Eagle.”