PORTLAND, Ore. – The 2022 United Soccer Coaches West Region Staff of the Year is here to stay. The University of Portland has extended the contract of women's soccer head coach Michelle French and has promoted assistant coaches Maite Zabala and Logan Emory to co-associate head coaches. With the promotions, Zabala and Emory become the first associate head coaches in program history.
French came to Portland in 2018, most recently leading Portland to their best season in nine years. She led the Pilots to a 12-5-4 record this past season, making the tournament for the first time in nine years. Prior to becoming the head coach of the Pilots, French was an assistant coach with the U.S. Women's National Team from 2014-2017, as well as the head coach of the U20 Women's National team from 2012-2016.
Zabala was a standout college goalkeeper with the California Golden Bears and also spent 11 seasons as a coach with the San Francisco Dons and the Boise State Broncos. Emory is a former Pilot who starred with Portland as a center back, appearing in 81 matches and helping the Pilots make the 2009 NCAA Quarterfinal.Zabala has been an assistant with the Pilots all five years with French, while Emory has been with the women's team for four years, previously spending three seasons on the men's side.
The Pilots made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013 this past season, finishing 12-5-4 on the year. They advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after defeating Arizona State 3-0 for their biggest tournament win since 2009. Five Pilots earned All-WCC honors as well: Shay Adams, Bre Norris, Cally Togiai, Sophia Mattice and Isabella Yakel.
Portland Head Coach Michelle French on the extension:
"I'm deeply grateful to have the opportunity to continue to build the women's soccer program and lead an incredible group of student-athletes. They have committed themselves to developing a competitive, yet exceptionally supportive and inclusive, culture that they are proud of and commit to daily.
The commitment made by Scott (Leykam), and entire the University of Portland administration, to not only myself, but to Maite and Logan, shows me the universal belief in the positive direction we're headed as a program."
French on Maite Zabala's and Logan Emory's promotions:
"Since day one, Maite has played a pivotal role in pushing the program to continuously evolve each year whether it's on or off the field. Maite's all-encompassing experience in the game, along with her tireless work ethic, positively influences the student-athletes daily. More specifically, through her guidance and leadership, the goalkeepers have developed into one of the top groups on the west coast, if not across the country.
"Logan's willingness to constantly grow as a coach, coupled with his knowledge of the game in all facets, has translated to him having an influential and meaningful presence on the field with the team. His overall impact on the program due to his relentless pursuit to identify future Pilots who can positively impact the program, and the University, cannot be understated.
Ultimately, and perhaps most importantly, Maite and Logan are incredible people who consistently do things the right way. They're genuinely invested in the growth of the student-athletes both as players and as human beings. I am so thankful for all they have done to drive the program forward. Maite and Logan have earned, and rightfully deserve, this promotion."
Maite Zabala on the promotion:
"I want to thank Frenchie and the athletic department for the opportunity to receive the title of Associate Head Coach, along with Logan. I look forward to continuing our work at such a storied soccer program. The support and advocacy from Frenchie and the program means the world, and I look forward to working hard to continue guiding our program in the right direction."
Logan Emory on his promotion as well as Zabala's:
"Congratulations Maite! There is no one more deserving! Thank you for all that you do for the players, the program, and myself.
"There is no way I can adequately thank Frenchie (Michelle French) for this continued opportunity. She is a fantastic coach, leader, and person and it's no stretch to say that I'm working for and learning from one of the best. I must also thank Scott Leykam and the entire administration for their unending support of our program and staff.
"The University of Portland has been a home away from home for me for half of my life now. The opportunity to be a part of this program - to play a small part in helping it return to the national stage - and to work with this staff and incredible group of student-athletes has been more rewarding than words can express."
