SAN FRANCISCO---  San Francisco State University has appointed Javier Ayala-Hil as the new men's soccer head coach, as announced today by Athletics Director Charles Guthrie.  Ayala-Hil comes to the Gators after spending the past three seasons on the men's soccer coaching staff at his alma mater, University of California-Berkeley.  

"Javier is one of the bright up-and-coming coaches in the profession.  He will infuse our program with high level of energy and professionalism," said Guthrie. "Coming from a power-five conference, he is very skilled at using today's technology to improve efficiencies on and off the field.  We're also confident that his networks will have a strong and positive impact on our ability to recruit student athletes." 

The past two seasons, Ayala-Hil was the top assistant for Cal where he was in charge of day to day operations within the program which included recruiting, training regime and game preparation.  During his time at Cal, the Bears went 34-18-5, were ranked as high as No. 15 in the nation and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament, in 2014.   In 2013, Cal was ranked as high as No. 1 in the nation for six weeks and went 2-1 in the NCAA Tournament.
 
"I couldn't be more excited and honored to have the opportunity to coach at San Francisco State and be part of the exciting momentum they're building," said Ayala-Hil.  "I want to thank President (Les) Wong, Director Guthrie and the search committee."  He added, "I've been fortunate to work with one of the best college coaches in the country for the past few years, my mentor, Kevin Grimes.  I've developed so many relationships in the greater Bay Area community and can't wait to become an official member of the Gator program."

Prior to coaching at his alma mater, Ayala-Hil was the high school varsity coach at Miramonte High School for one season.  In addition, he's been the youth head coach for Lamorinda Soccer Club since 2011. 

As a student, Ayala-Hil was a member of the Cal Bears' men's soccer team for four seasons, in which the Bears received a bid to the NCAA Tournament all four years.  He was named to the First Team All-Pac-10 during his senior season in 2007 and finished his collegiate career with 19 goals and 9 assists for 47 points.  Ayala-Hil was drafted in the second round of the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft by Chivas USA and continued playing professionally for Bayamon FC in Puerto Rico and Luckenwalde FSV 63 in Germany's Oberliga.

The East Palo Alto native received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. 

About San Francisco State Athletics
Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.

Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement.  The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments. For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

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