Fresno State Athletics
Zwaschka Adds Whitney to Staff
6/10/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
June 10, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State women's soccer head coach Brian Zwaschka announced the addition of Maureen Whitney to the coaching staff on Friday afternoon. Whitney joins the Bulldogs after eight years as an assistant coach at Sacramento State.
"The addition of Maureen to our program is very positive for us," said Zwaschka. "She is a top coach, player, and person. She has worked hard to get herself to this point and we are pleased for her to join us at such a pivotal point in the program's history."
Whitney will assist with the day-to-day duties of the women's soccer program, including recruiting and on field coaching.
"Maureen is a wonderful role model for our student athletes and the ideal compliment to Kevin and myself to complete our staff," said Zwaschka. "She has been a big part of championship success to this point and we know she'll deliver that same edge that we demand here. I look forward to getting her involved in all aspects of the program right away so we are prepared for a truly special 2011 season."
While at Sacramento State, Whitney helped the Hornets to two Big Sky Conference Championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances over the past four years. She has also helped coach Hornet players to 18 all-Big Sky Conference selections, in addition to 26 honorable mentions.
Whitney, who graduated from Sacramento State in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, was a two-sport athlete for the Hornets, competing from 1998-2000 in soccer and softball. As a defender for the women's soccer team, she was named Defensive MVP following her senior season, and during her two-year career, played in 24 matches, recording two goals and two assists.
She was an assistant coach on the under-18 National Championship squad at San Juan in 2006. All told, Whitney has spent the past seven years developing young talent throughout the local youth competitive soccer ranks.
An accomplished athlete, Whitney has spent 10 seasons playing for the California Storm of the Women's Professional Soccer League. A five-time all-star, Whitney has captained the Storm along with Brazilian soccer icon, Sissi, and has played alongside former and current national team players such as Brandi Chastain and Aly Wagoner.
The Storm has reached the national championship match five times with Whitney on the field, winning the title twice, and in 2005, Whitney received the honor of WPSL MVP.
Whitney did not begin playing soccer until the age of 19. Already a two-sport athlete at Walla Walla Community College playing basketball and softball, Whitney was asked to join the soccer program in its first year of existence. She completed her eligibility at Walla Walla as a two-time NWACC all-star.
Whitney was also a three-sport athlete at Central Kitsap High School, graduating in 1995 after competing in volleyball, basketball and softball.
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