With the 2024 soccer seasons underway at Cal State East Bay, head coaches Mike Haswell (men's soccer) and Anne Whipple (women's soccer) look to guide their programs to success, as both coaches have very rich backgrounds in soccer.
 
MIKE HASWELL – HEAD COACH – CAL STATE EAST BAY MEN'S SOCCER
 
Mike Haswell was named the head coach for Pioneer men's soccer in summer 2023, taking over a program that did not win seven matches during its CCAA membership. In Haswell's first season with the program, that changed.
 
"I took the job in the summer of 2023 and was able to bring in a top staff in a short time to help us compete in the Fall.  We had a great group of players with a good work ethic and togetherness that helped us to get positive results immediately.  Coming off the back of the best season in the program for the past 15 years it allowed us to bring a strong recruiting class to join our returners and we hope now to continue to build on our success this year."
 
Building a program is something Haswell is invested in as he is coaching his second season at Cal State East Bay. While identifying the right student-athletes for a program is essential, Haswell knows there is a lot more a coach needs to do to make winning sustainable, on and off the pitch.
 
"I coach to win so that through our success we can help young men believe in themselves and become better people.  Everything we do we try to make applicable to all aspects of life and help prepare our players for whatever is ahead in their careers and lives.  The game is a place where we can all get back to being kids, to forget about all the stress and difficult things we face, and be together, and try to build something special.  We strive to prepare well, be professional, create a culture of excellence, and care about each of our players."
 
Haswell brought a wealth of soccer success to Hayward, as he previously was on the coaching staff for the Cal State LA men's soccer program, which won the 2021 NCAA Division II National Championship.
 
"I am fortunate to have been a part of many successful teams through my career as both a player and a coach and have worked with top coaches and have excellent mentors in the game.  Those experiences and relationships have helped show me what it takes to build a national championship team and program.  It takes time, investment, hard work, and the right people to be a part of the project.  What excites me is that I feel we have all those aspects here at East Bay and look forward to working to build an outstanding program."  
 
ANNE WHIPPLE – HEAD COACH – CAL STATE EAST BAY WOMEN'S SOCCER
 
Anne Whipple was named the interim head coach for the women's soccer program just days before fall training in 2024. And although she took on the role with limited runway to prepare for practices, she didn't have to adapt too much as she has been on the Pioneers' coaching staff since 2022.
 
"Heading into my third season here at East Bay, I've learned that the returning core of our team is characterized by their leadership and adaptability. They have really made a concerted effort in learning and demonstrating a deep understanding of our game model, have met and set standards that embody the vision of our program, and have been able to mentor and encourage new teammates within our game model and standards. Their experience has been invaluable in maintaining consistency and fostering a positive, growth-centered environment. Their commitment to continuous improvement and their ability to lead by example have been key factors in our progress as a group thus far."
 
And Whipple knows she has not been able to conquer the challenge alone, as she gives credit to her assistant coach, Jessica Clinton.
 
"Stepping into the role of head coach shortly before the fall season has definitely been a whirlwind, but it has also been an incredible opportunity for growth for us as a staff, both myself and Jessica Clinton (Assistant Coach), as well as the team. We have all embraced the challenge of adapting quickly, and I've been impressed with how resilient and open-minded our student-athletes have been and continue to be day-in and day-out through this whole process. The transition has strengthened our relationships and focus, and we are channeling all of that collective energy into a determined approach toward achieving our team goals this season. I would also like to acknowledge that this program would not be in such a positive place right now without the guidance and support of Jessica, who not only possesses a brilliant soccer-mind, but is an incredible mentor and human being – we cannot thank her enough for everything she does."
 
Since training began back in August for Whipple, she has looked to instill a common theme for her program.
 
"For the 2024 season, our team will champion the theme "Success Starts with You," a mantra developed by our leadership group. This phrase highlights the fundamental idea that every individual's effort, mindset, and commitment are the driving force behind our collective success. It serves as a powerful reminder that each person in our program has a vital role in shaping our team's performance and achieving our goals. By embracing this mantra, we are encouraging everyone to take personal responsibility for their actions, contribute positively to the team environment, and drive our success from within. The mantra underscores that true success is built on the dedication and initiative of each team member, together."
 
Deep into the 2024 CCAA schedule, Cal State East Bay men's and women's soccer will look to collect more points in the standings starting Thursday as each team hosts San Francisco State starting at 4:30 p.m. from Pioneer Stadium for the men's soccer match, followed by the women's soccer match at 7 p.m.