Twila Argo Kilgore (née Kaufman; born January 18, 1980) is an American soccer coach and former player. She was appointed as assistant coach for the United States women's national team, initially under Vlatko Andonovski, and later served as interim head coach after Andonovski's resignation. She stepped down from coaching in September 2024 and most recently served as the technical director of National Women's Soccer League club Houston Dash from February to September 2026.
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Playing career
Kilgore was born in Downey, California, to Patricia Kaufman. In her youth, she played for the club side Las Virgenes Blazers, before later joining the Southern California Blues, with whom she won two state titles. In high school, she played soccer at Harvard-Westlake School, where she earned first team All-CIF honors during her senior year. In college, Kilgore played four years with the Arizona Wildcats from 1998 to 2001. She made 74 appearances during her career, scoring seven goals and recording three assists. After college, Kilgore joined the Arizona Heatwave and played in the USL W-League before becoming a coach.
Coaching career
In 2004, Kilgore joined the Pepperdine University coaching staff as an assistant coach and associate coach. During her time at Pepperdine, Kilgore earned her USSF National "A" license. After spending 10 years with Pepperdine University, Kilgore took over as the head coach for the University of California, Davis women's team.
In 2019, Kilgore joined the Houston Dash as an assistant coach. During her time with the Houston Dash, Kilgore also served as a member of U.S. Soccer coaching staff, taking the United States U-19 Women's National Team (USWNT U-19) to the La Manga Tournament in 2020.
While serving as a member of the Houston Dash technical staff, Kilgore became the first American-born woman to earn the U.S. Soccer's top-level Pro License. After earning this license, Kilgore was named to lead the January 2022 USWNT U-23 camp. Kilgore was named as an assistant coach for the senior USWNT in February 2022.
On August 17, 2023, Kilgore was named the interim head coach for the senior USWNT following the resignation of Vlatko Andonovski, under whom Kilgore served as the assistant coach. Kilgore has served as assistant coach since the arrival of permanent head coach Emma Hayes in May 2024. Kilgore coached the team to victories during both the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup and the 2024 SheBelieves Cup. Upon the arrival of Hayes, Kilgore resumed her role as an assistant coach to help the USWNT win Gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics. On September 24, 2024, U.S. Soccer announced the departure of Kilgore from the national coaching team, stating she would pursue other coaching opportunities.
On February 14, 2026, the Houston Dash announced the hiring of Kilgore as the club's technical director. On September 13, 2026, the Dash announced that they had fired both Kilgore and head coach Fabrice Gautrat.
Personal life
Kilgore graduated from the University of Arizona in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education. She later earned a master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine in 2009.
She married Jeremiah Kilgore in September 2021.
Coaching statistics
As of April 6, 2024
Managerial honors
United States Women
As assistant coach of women's senior national team
CONCACAF W Championship: 2022
SheBelieves Cup: 2023
Summer Olympic Games Gold Medal: 2024
As Interim coach of women's senior national team
CONCACAF W Gold Cup: 2024
SheBelieves Cup: 2024