Celia Balf joined the Columbia women's soccer staff in October 2023 as an assistant coach. Balf's previous coaching experience includes time with Saint Francis University Women's Soccer (NEC), ENY Olympic Development Program, Cedar Stars Staten Island, Park Slope United/Brooklyn United, and Berkshire Girls Soccer Academy.
Balf joined the squad an immediately played a role in helping Columbia earn its first NCAA Tournament victory in program history in 2023. The 2023 NCAA appearance was just the second in program history.
Columbia scored twice in the final 12 minutes to come back and defeat Rutgers in the first round of the tournament. The Lions finished with 11 wins in 2023, which is the first 11-win season for the squad since 2008. Columbia garnered national attention by appearing in the Top Drawer Soccer National poll four times in 2023, reaching as high as No. 22. It was Columbia’s first recognition in a national poll since 2008 when the team received votes in the NSCAA national poll.
The 2023 squad had five players represented on the 2023 All-Ivy League list. Senior goalkeeper Paige Nurkin and senior midfielder Kat Jordan highlighted the list by earning First Team All-Ivy honors. Junior defender Ania Prussak and senior forward Nata Ramirez took home Second Team All-Ivy honors, while junior Courtney Ruedt earned honorable mention status. The Lions tied a program record of 10 shutouts in 2023 and led the nation in goals against average for several weeks during the season.
Balf has also worked as an elite athlete mentor/mindset coach for RISE Athletes; a program designed to mentor teen athletes through specific mindset development training. Balf has a long history working in sports both as a coach, journalist, and marketer. She has spent the last 10+ years working as a journalist and content producer for outlets such as NBC Olympics, Just Women's Sports, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, and Athletes Unlimited. Balf also works as a content marketing manager for the No. 1 youth sports team management app, TeamSnap.
Balf played soccer at the University at Albany from 2012-2015 and captained the team in her junior and senior seasons. During her senior year, Balf led the Great Danes to the program's first America East Championship title.
A native of Beverly, Massachusetts, Balf grew up playing for England Aztec, MA ODP, and her school team, The Waring School. Balf was a member of the Boston Aztec Under-23 and Breakers Reserve Team.
