Marisa Colzie's Journey from UBC Champion to East Coast Family Life

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.

Last year I missed this as we were in the playoffs at the conference tournament —if I have to find a silver lining of not making the @AUS_SUA playoffs this year it’s this!!! Happy Halloween from the Colzie Family!!!

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.

Although Marisa’s time with UBC was only one season, she was able to win a national championship on our home field, which will leave a lasting legacy on our women’s soccer program. We wish Marisa all the best and hope she enjoys more great success in the next chapter of her life.

Also, see:

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 legend for the campaign nomination this International Women’s Day! to keeping girls in sport by giving them role models that look like them! Next up and .

— Marisa Colzie (@ColzieMarisa)

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.

My claim to fame was the summer of ’03 when we survived the SARS outbreak, and I had the privilege of playing with this group of legends on the Toronto Inferno of the W-League. Happy Birthday to one of the greatest legends of all @dmatheson8 !!!

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.

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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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