PORTLAND, Ore. – University of Portland Vice President for Athletics Scott Leykam announced Monday afternoon that Tina Frimpong Ellertson has been promoted to head coach of the Portland Pilots women's soccer program. Ellertson joined the Pilot staff as an assistant coach in 2023 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2024.
 
"When Frenchie shared her decision to step away, Tina was the clear choice to lead our program," Leykam said. "From the day she arrived on campus, Tina has elevated Portland women's soccer through her coaching, recruiting and leadership. Her charisma, energy and passion are infectious, and I'm excited to see her lead the next chapter in the storied history of Portland Pilots women's soccer."
 
"I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the University of Portland women's soccer program," Ellertson said. "I understand the responsibility that comes with leading a program that means so much to so many people. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Frenchie for her leadership, mentorship and belief in me. Working alongside her has been a great privilege, and I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow under her guidance."

Ellertson's promotion follows Michelle French's decision to step away after nine seasons as head coach and return home for family reasons. French led the Pilots to a 76-53-29 record, highlighted by a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022 and the program's best WCC finish since 2013 in 2025.

"I have had the privilege of witnesseing just how much of her heart and soul Frenchie has poured into this program and, more importantly, into the people who are part of it," Ellertson said. "She is truly a one-of-a-kind person and an incredible coach. She is one of the best coaches tactically that I have ever had the privilege to work with, and I will forever be grateful for the impact she has had on me, both personally and professionally.
 
"From my time as a player at UW, being coached by Lesle and Amy, to the time I spent coaching with Nicole at UW and all their genius minds of the game, to my time here at Portland, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand what strong, confident women leading student-athletes looks like. I saw them lead with grace, care and confidence, while also creating an environment that challenges young women to grow, push themselves beyond what they believe they are capable of, all the while helping them becoming the best versions of themselves. My goal is to do the same in my own unique way."

Ellertson has made an immediate impact since arriving on The Bluff in 2023, playing an integral role in recruiting and the program's on-field success. Her contributions helped the Pilots finish 10-3-6 overall and 7-1-3 in West Coast Conference play in 2025, marking the program's best WCC finish since 2013.

"Tina has brought so much joy to our program through who she is as a person, along with a fierce competitiveness and passion for the game as a coach. With her experience at multiple levels and all that she has invested in this program thus far, she is more than ready for the next step in her coaching journey," French said. "She has a wonderful confidence about her, a strong voice and a genuine commitment to, and belief in, what the University of Portland represents. She understands what makes this program so special and the importance of the people and relationships that have helped shape it. I have so much confidence in Tina and know she will make everyone who has been a part of Portland women's soccer proud as she leads the next group of student-athletes. Her genuine care for student-athletes and her unwavering attention to their growth, both as players and as people, are what truly stand out to me. I'm excited to be a big-time fan in the stands and watch Tina and this program shine!"
 
"What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to continue building a program rooted in relationships, connection, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of being the best versions of ourselves," Ellertson said. "I believe deeply in developing young women both on and off the field, creating an environment where they feel valued and challenged, and empowering them to achieve more than they thought possible.
 
"I couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead! We have an incredible group of young women and a staff that cares deeply about this program, and I feel so fortunate to be part of it. I can't wait to continue growing together, challenging one another, celebrating our successes, and making unforgettable memories along the way. There is so much to look forward to, and I am beyond excited to get started!"
 
Prior to arriving on The Bluff, Ellertson served as an assistant coach at her alma mater, the University of Washington, where she helped lead the Huskies to the Sweet 16 of the 2020 NCAA Tournament.
 
Complementing her collegiate coaching experience, Ellertson brings more than a decade of involvement with U.S. Soccer, including earning a USSF scout license, taking on the role of a Youth National Team Staff Coach since 2012 and working as a talent identification scout from 2016-23.
 
Ellertson's coaching background also includes extensive ties to the Portland and Southwest Washington soccer communities. She served as head coach at King's Way Christian School in Vancouver, earning Trico League High School Coach of the Year honors from 2015-17. She also served as head coach of the Portland Thorns Academy U-17 team and was a longtime assistant director of coaching at Salmon Creek Soccer Club.
 
Before entering the coaching ranks, Ellertson enjoyed a distinguished playing career at the collegiate, professional and international levels, establishing herself as one of the top players in Pac-10 women's soccer history.
 
At Washington, Ellertson was a two-time Pac-10 Player of the Year (2003, 2004), earned NSCAA Second Team All-America honors and finished her collegiate career as the Huskies' all-time leading scorer. Her accomplishments earned her induction into the Washington Husky Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Pacific-12 Conference Hall of Fame in 2022.
 
Following her collegiate career, Ellertson represented the U.S. Women's National Team as both a defender and forward, earning 35 international caps and competing in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. She went on to play professionally from 2009-13, concluding her career with the Portland Thorns and helping the club capture the NWSL Championship in its inaugural 2013 season.

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