Women's Soccer | 1/4/2011 5:20:37 PM

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Steve Ancheta, who previously served as the boy's head soccer coach at Central Catholic High School in Portland, Ore., has been named Western Oregon University's head women's soccer coach, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Daniel Hare announced on Tuesday. In addition to his role at Central Catholic, Ancheta also serves as the U17 girl's soccer club coach with the FC Portland Soccer Academy.

“Throughout the process, it became apparent Steve (Ancheta) was the right person to take the reigns of the women's soccer program,” Hare said. “His enthusiasm for the University, his championship attitude and results, the recommendations he received from the top programs in the region and his ability to teach the game the right way made him the perfect choice for the position.”

In his seven years at Central Catholic, Ancheta led the boy's squad to seven straight Mt. Hood Conference titles and captured the OSAA Class 6A state championship during the 2007 season. He compiled a record of 94-14-7 in his seven seasons, earning conference coach of the year honors six times.

During his time at Central Catholic, Ancheta also served as a girl's club coach with the FC Portland Soccer Academy, working primarily with the U15 through U18 age groups. The club, founded by the legendary Clive Charles, has grown to be recognized as one of the top club programs in the nation. Ancheta has worked with the club since 1985 and has captured six state titles during his tenure.

“I'd like to thank President John Minahan, Director of Athletics Daniel Hare, the search committee and everyone I met with throughout this process for this wonderful opportunity,” said Ancheta. “I look forward to developing this program into a championship contender and I will strive to do my best to push this program to success on and off the field. It will take hard work, effort and sheer determination to challenge ourselves to be the very best we can be for this terrific institution.”

Prior to his stint at Central Catholic, Ancheta served as the head boy's soccer coach at Barlow High School in Gresham, Ore. During his four seasons, Ancheta compiled a record of 40-17-5, capturing the Mt. Hood Conference title during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

Ancheta played collegiately at Warner Pacific University before transferring to Oregon State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in health promotion and education in 1991. He also played professionally with the Portland Timbers (Western Soccer League) and the Portland Pride (Continental Indoor League).

The former Oregon State standout becomes the second coach in program history, succeeding Rod Fretz, who led the squad for the past 15 seasons.

Ancheta is married to Martha Ancheta as the couple currently resides in Clackamas, Ore.