A.J. Francois joined the Mustangs for his first season in 2025 after playing four seasons at University of Denver.
The native of Austin, Texas, was an Elite 90 Award winner in 2024 for the Pioneers, who reached the NCAA DI College Cup semifinals, falling to eventual champions Vermont (T, 1-1, 4-3 SO). Francois made appearances in all three NCAA Tournament wins at University of Denver Soccer Stadium.
Francois was named to the Summit League All-Tournament Team in 2022 and was Summit League Scholar of the Championship three times (2022, 2023, 2024). He was also Summit League Academic All-League in 2023.
Francois played in 59 matches at Denver and scored twice — both were game-winning goals. The defender scored in the 68th minute of a 1-0 win at Omaha in the 2022 season. His first goal as a Pioneer came in the 38th minute of a 2-1 victory over Cal State Fullerton at University of Denver Soccer Stadium in 2021.
Prior to his collegiate career, Francois was captain of Lonestar SC DA and ECNL squads from U16-U19 levels. He played in a professional game as an academy player for Austin Bold FC in the USL Championship.
