Carlie James became Cal Lutheran's Assistant Sports Information Director in August 2026. She also serves as an assistant coach for the women's soccer team, a position she has held since 2024.
James transitioned to the Sports Information office after serving in Cal Lutheran's Marketing and Communications Department as a graphic designer beginning in 2022. In that role, she was responsible for producing creative visual assets for the Athletics Department and its 22 varsity sports, including print, digital, environmental, signage, merchandise, gear, and equipment designs.
As Assistant Sports Information Director, James works alongside Sports Information Director Faith Wayman, assisting with all facets of athletic communications, including website management, statistics and records, media relations, social media management, graphic design, photography, and live streaming operations.
As an assistant women's soccer coach, James has helped lead the Regals to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including an NCAA Sweet 16 run in 2025.
James graduated magna cum laude from San José State University in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Design Studies and a minor in Communication Studies before earning her Master of Science in Sports Management from Cal Lutheran in May 2026.
A four-year student-athlete at San José State, James played NCAA Division I women's soccer in the Mountain West Conference. During her collegiate career, she earned Most Inspirational Player honors, served as team captain, was recognized as an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar, and was named to the Academic All-Mountain West Team. She also served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Embedded in James' personal ethos is kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement in all aspects of soccer and life.
A native of Calabasas, California, James was a four-year soccer captain at Calabasas High School, where she earned numerous all-conference honors. She also played for Eagles Soccer Club for over 15 years.
At eight months old, James was adopted from Siberia, Russia, by Wendy and Andy James. They also adopted her older sister, Ellie, from Romania. James is forever grateful for her family, a gratitude reflected in her positive energy and thankful outlook on life. As she proudly says, "They picked me!"
