Cal State East Bay Promotes Anne Whipple to Head Coach of Women's Soccer, Removing Interim Status
HAYWARD, Calif. - Cal State East Bay Athletics has announced the promotion of Anne Whipple to Head Coach of the women's soccer program, removing her interim tag following a historic 2024 season.
Whipple, who joined the Pioneers' coaching staff in 2022, stepped into the interim head coach role just days before fall training in 2024. Despite the short notice, she led the team to unprecedented success, earning her the permanent position.
The team faced an uphill battle in the 2024 CCAA standings, starting 1-3-0. But a turnaround ensued quickly under Whipple's leadership, as the Pioneers finished the regular season on a seven-match unbeaten streak, carrying them into the CCAA Tournament for the second time in program history. The unbeaten streak also took the team to a second place regular season finish, which also resulted in a first-round bye in the tournament. And after the bye, in the CCAA Tournament semifinals, East Bay won 1-0 to reach the CCAA Championship Match.
"We are thrilled to make Anne the official Head Coach of the East Bay Women's Soccer program," said Allison Kern, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics. "This year our women's soccer team had a record-setting season under her leadership, and we couldn't be happier with how this staff has represented Pioneer Athletics."
Prior to her promotion, Whipple served two seasons as an assistant coach at Cal State East Bay. Her familiarity with the program and strong rapport with the players contributed to a seamless transition into the head coaching role.
Under Whipple's guidance, the team embraced the mantra "Success Starts with You," emphasizing individual responsibility and collective achievement. This approach, coupled with Whipple's strategic leadership, resulted in significant improvements in team performance.
Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance/Senior Woman Administrator Marcie Haduca Covell praised Whipple's impact: "Coach Whipple hit the ground running as the interim head coach right before the student-athletes reported to campus for fall training. She and her coaching staff assembled a game plan into how they would approach this season and executed it to its fullest."
Looking ahead, Whipple aims to build on the team's recent success and continue fostering a positive, growth-centered environment. Her focus on leadership development and adaptability is expected to drive the program to new heights in the coming seasons.
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