PORTLAND, Ore. – University of Portland Athletics announced today that Michelle French will step down as head women's soccer coach, making the decision to step away and return home for family reasons after leading the Pilots for nine seasons.
"At this point in my life, I've made the decision to make my way back home," French said. "I'm looking forward to being closer to my family and friends, spending more quality time together, and having the opportunity and time to enjoy life a little differently.
"The University of Portland has been such an important part of my story, both personally and professionally. From my collegiate years at UP playing for Clive to the past 25 years of coaching, these experiences have been such a meaningful part of my journey and have helped shape so much of who I have become. Returning to the University of Portland as a coach has been so incredibly special to me. To come back in a leadership role with the program Clive built, work with so many inspiring and motivated student-athletes and contribute to something that has meant so much to me over the years is something I will always be incredibly grateful for."
"We're incredibly grateful for all Frenchie has contributed to our women's soccer program, both on and off the field, during her nine years as head coach," said University of Portland Vice President for Athletics Scott Leykam. "She has built a strong culture within the program, and we will miss the energy and passion she brought to our department every day. Frenchie has represented the University of Portland in first-class fashion as both a student-athlete and head coach. We wish her and her family all the best as she returns home to Washington. She will forever be a Pilot."
French was named the sixth head coach in University of Portland women's soccer history in 2017. Over nine seasons, she compiled a 76-53-29 (.573) overall record, including a standout 2025 campaign that saw the Pilots earn their highest WCC finish since 2013.
Under French's leadership, the Pilots recorded four double-digit win seasons and returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2022. Portland defeated Arizona State 3-0 at Merlo Field in the opening round, marking the program's largest margin of victory in an NCAA Tournament match since 2010.
In 2025, the Pilots finished second in the WCC, their highest conference finish since 2013 and just one point out of first place. During French's tenure, 20 Pilots earned All-WCC honors and 11 received All-West Region recognition. She coached two-time WCC Goalkeeper of the Year Bre Norris, whose first award in 2023 marked the program's first WCC GOY of the honor since 2013, as well as 2025 WCC Defensive Player of the Year Keeley Dockter. Her teams also excelled academically, highlighted by Violet Rademacher becoming the program's first United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American since 2009.
"I am filled with so much gratitude for the many staff members throughout the Athletic Department who made walking into Chiles so enjoyable with endless smiles and genuine conversation," French said. "I have been beyond privileged to work alongside talented, compassionate, genuine, and honest coaches and humans. Their support of a shared vision and the kindness they showed our student-athletes throughout my time here meant more to me than I can put into words. It's been such a blessing to have been part of the entire UP family once again."
In addition to her coaching accomplishments, French is among the most decorated players in Portland women's soccer history. A former U.S. Women's National Team player, she was a four-year starter for the Pilots from 1995-98 and helped lead Portland to its first national championship game appearance in 1995. She earned First Team All-America honors and was a finalist for the MAC/Hermann Trophy National Player of the Year award in 1998. French was also named the 1995 Freshman of the Year, earned two All-WCC First Team selections and received Soccer America Freshman All-America honors. She ranks sixth in program history with 35 career assists, while her 14 assists in 1997 remain tied for the third-highest single-season total in program history.
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