California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, Calif. June 7, 2010 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) has announced the first step in the creation of an ambitious athletic program for both men and women. Carl Reed, CI’s Director of Athletics, announced that intercollegiate women’s soccer would be the first sport in an ongoing athletic roll out.

Reed began planning for the team in May of 2009. Since the school is based on the principle of shared governance, input was sought from faculty, staff and students on the development of the athletic program. Reed stated, “Having women’s soccer as our first sport made sense for CI. Looking at the soccer landscape here in Ventura County, from high schools, AYSO, soccer clubs and the programs at the community colleges, it was clear there was talent and interest in the sport.”

In fall 2010, CI will begin to interview Head Women’s Soccer Coach candidates so there will be a Head Coach in place by January 2011. Coaches will begin building their programs throughout the winter. Prospective players will be recruited from existing CI students, community colleges and high school seniors who will be attending CI in fall 2011.

Fall 2011 will see intensive team training and skill building, coupled with limited scheduled competitions. Carl Reed said the team, as the first entry of the athletic program, will have everything it needs to compete and be successful, create interest and build student and community support for the University’s athletic efforts. Reed mentioned that men’s golf is seriously being considered as the University’s second team sport in the future if sufficient private funding has been raised to support the program.

The women’s soccer team will be officially launched with a full-time Division II playing season in fall 2012.

For information on the women’s soccer program and opportunities to get involved, contact athletics@csuci.edu.

CSU Channel Islands is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

CI Mission Statement
Placing students at the center of the educational experience, California State University Channel Islands provides undergraduate and graduate education that facilitates learning within and across disciplines through integrative approaches, emphasizes experiential and service learning, and graduates students with multicultural and international perspectives.