Ariana Ruela joined the NJIT women's soccer coaching staff in the summer of August 2022.

The Kearny native joins Highlander Nation after a highly successful seven-season run (2015-21) as the head coach of nearby Rutgers-Newark. As leader of the Scarlet Raiders, Ruela tallied a record of 53-55-12, with the 53 wins and .492 win percentage placing her as the winningest women's soccer coach in Rutgers-Newark history. In six competitive seasons (2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Ruela led Rutgers-Newark to three double-digit win campaigns (11-8-2 in 2019; 10-6-3 in 2021), including a school record 15-9-1 record as a rookie head coach in 2015. Ruela's squads made two NJAC Tournament appearances (semis in 2015, quarters in 2017) and three ECAC Tournament appearances (2015, 2019, 2021) during her tenure. 

Ruela's run as head coach of the Scarlet Raiders was preceded by a two year stint (2013-15) as the program's graduate assistant coach under former coach Bill Bustamante, helping R-N tally a 14-8-2 overall record, reach the NJAC Tournament, and win its first ever postseason match in 2014.

Ruela developed a number of decorated student-athletes while at Rutgers-Newark, including Sara Corson (NJAC and ECAC Offensive Player of the Year, All-NJAC, NSCAA All-Region); Cristina Estremera (NSCAA All-Region, All-NJAC); Nicole Gomez (All-NJAC), Victoria Benet (co-Rutgers-Newark Scholar-Athlete of the Year); and Paige Lazar (co-Rutgers-Newark Scholar-Athlete of the Year).

Ruela currently serves as the Director of Coaching for Ironbound SC where she has built up the girl's side over the last seven years. She previously served as a trainer for the New York Red Bulls' Training Programs from 2012-2016. 

Ruela was a four-year letterwinner at James Madison University (2008-11) while also representing the Portuguese National Team during that time. Ruela helped the Dukes advance to the NCAA Sweet 16 as a freshman and win a Colonial Athletic Association title as a junior.

Ruela holds a USSF B license and is a graduate of the NCAA Women's Coaches Academy's 44th class in 2018. 

At Kearny High School, Ruela led the Kardinals to three Watchung Conference titles (2004, 2005 & 2006) as well as an appearance in the Group IV semifinals. She compiled 67 goals and 54 assists during her scholastic career.

Ruela graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in International Affairs and a minor in French from James Madison in May of 2012.  A Phi Beta Kappa member, she was a student in the university's Honors Program. Ruela received her Master's from Rutgers-Newark in International Affairs in May of 2015.

updated August 2022