Read on to learn more about new head coach Trisha Gonzales and her journey to becoming Academica's first female head coach.

What is your coaching background?

- USSF National A license

- US Soccer Instructor

- Former Volunteer Assistant Coach at UOP Women’s D1 Soccer

- CalNorth ODP Head Coach for the last 17 years

- Region IV Regional Staff Coach

- DOC for Manteca Area Soccer Rangers United for the last 7 years

- Former Pleasanton Rage Coach for 13 years

What are some of your soccer accolades?

- One of the few DOC’s and one of the 1st females to attend US Soccer Pilot DOC license in the country

- Pepperdine University 4 year starter for the women's soccer team. Part of the program's start.

- Named one of the best Pepperdine Waves to wear #12

- Former CalNorth ODP state player and regional camp player

- Played in WPSL for California Storm and Silicon Valley Red Devils who won the 1st league title in 1998

Who are some of the players that you’ve had the opportunity to coach in the past? Any current Academica players that you will be reuniting with?

Naomi Girma, current USWNT player and San Diego Wave, during her 1st season on the CalNorth ODP team.  Jayden Shinn, current Academica player, coached in ODP for two seasons. I’ve coached numerous players through ODP who have gone on to play at D1 schools as well as play on the youth national teams

As a Coach, what can players expect from you?

My players can expect a competitive training environment where I expect drive, hard work ethic, and motivation to improve their game to the next level. The players can expect open communication from the coaching staff and high level training sessions

What does representing the Central Valley on a national level mean to you?

I moved to the Central Valley in the 5th grade from the Bay Area and played out in the Valley as a youth due to CalNorth district’s closed boundaries.  I grew up playing on various clubs and premier teams in the Valley, so I have a special place in my heart for the Valley.  After college, I moved back to Manteca and started my coaching career in high school, club and ODP.  The USL W league is an amazing opportunity for the women in the valley that was never afforded to me as a player in the Central Valley.  I believe my experience as a player and as a coach will help give these women an opportunity to not only develop and grow in their game, but to shine on the national stage in the USL W league. 

What can fans expect from this team going into the 2024 season?

I came from the era where players play with a never give up attitude, have a strong work ethic, play with heart, and are mentally tough.  The Academica fans can expect the same mentality from this team in 2024!