March 20, 2008

After serving as an assistant coach for two seasons, Adrianne Almaraz has been promoted to Metro State's Head Women's Soccer Coach, Athletic Director Joan McDermott announced today. She becomes the program's fourth head coach, after Danny Sanchez left the school to take a position at the University of Wyoming in December.

"Adrianne has been an integral part of both our national championships as a student-athlete and an assistant coach," McDermott said. "She has the knowledge, experience and passion to maintain our program at a national level."

Almaraz spent the last two years under Sanchez's guidance; she was responsible for assisting with all aspects of the program and focused specifically on field coaching, recruiting and camps. The Roadrunners posted a 40-6-2 record in her two seasons as assistant coach, including claiming the 2006 National Championship.

"I would like to thank Joan McDermott and Metro State for giving me this great opportunity," Almaraz said. "Metro State is an exceptional academic and athletic institution. I look forward to continuing the success of the women's soccer program and representing Metro State at a national level."

Sanchez is also optimistic about the future of the program.

"I am very excited for Adrianne and the future of Metro State Soccer," he said. "She knows what it takes to win championships as a player and a coach at Metro State."

Almaraz played her junior and senior seasons at Metro State after playing her first two years at Cal State Bakersfield. As a 2004 senior and team captain, Almaraz helped lead the Roadrunners to a 25-1-0 overall record and 23 straight victories to end the season, which culminated in the national championship. She was a first team all-RMAC and a second team all-Midwest Region selection after starting all 26 games and scoring 12 points, including four goals. As a 2003 junior, Almaraz earned first team all-region and second team all-RMAC accolades.

Before returning to Metro State in 2006, Almaraz spent one season as the assistant coach at Cal State Stanislaus. The Warriors posted a 15-4-2 overall record, including an 11-2-1 mark in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, and a first-place North Division finish. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Almaraz also assisted the athletic director with marketing and served as the study hall coordinator.

A 2005 graduate of Metro State, Almaraz earned a bachelor's degree in business management. She holds USSF "C" national license and a NSCAA National Diploma. A native of Bakersfield, Calif., Almaraz is single and resides in Lakewood, Colo.