Ahead of its inaugural NWSL season, Bay FC has named Albertin Montoya the club’s first head coach.
Montoya has a long coaching history in the Bay Area, including his time as head coach of FC Gold Pride in the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) League. He’s also coached the United States U-17 girls national team and most recently served as interim coach of the Washington Spirit last year.
Bay FC will enter the NWSL in the 2024 season, joining the Utah Royals as the league’s two new teams for next year.
“As the inaugural head coach of Bay FC, I’m honored to be a part of the foundation upon which our team’s history will be built,” Montoya said in a club release. “Together, we’ll create a legacy of determination, unity, and excellence.”
Bay FC general manager Lucy Rushton added: “As we moved through the process, Albertin was by far our leading candidate. His football philosophy—and his strong commitment to it—matches up perfectly with the style of play and the team identity we want our club to embody.
“His reputation within the football community also speaks for itself – there is a tremendous amount of respect for him as a coach, as a leader and as a person.”
Montoya, 48, is also the founder of the Montoya Soccer Academy, a Bay Area-based program that is renowned in the area for developing young talent.
[lawrence-related id=28574,22323,20975]