Louise Lieberman Becomes Head Coach at USD
The move from assistant to head coach on the collegiate level is a prestigious one — it is always a strong recognition of talent, perseverance, tenacity and determination. It is usually a move long sought after and coveted. It is fabulous news that the highly talented and indefatigable Louise Lieberman has been selected and has accepted the position of Head Coach at University of San Diego. While leaving the UCLA Bruins will be tough, the USD Toreros are eager to welcome their new coach with pride.
Just before the bell rings closing the 2016 year out, exciting news has hit the women college world with the announcement from the University of San Diego Executive Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President, Bill McGillis, earlier today. USD has succeeded in hiring Louise Lieberman as the new head coach for women’s soccer. Lieberman, who becomes the fourth head coach in Torero history, joins USD after spending the past eight seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater, UCLA.
“I’m very excited for the young women in our soccer program,” stated Bill McGillis, USD Executive Director of Athletics.”
“We’ve hired a really special leader in Louise Lieberman. Her warm and dynamic personality, brilliant soccer mind, outstanding pedigree as a player and assistant coach in one of the nation’s elite programs at UCLA and her Southern California roots make Lou a terrific match for the University of San Diego.”
“Lou has coached for, and been mentored by, three of the best coaches in the world over the last eight years at UCLA, including U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Jill Ellis, U.S. U17 National Team Head Coach BJ Snow, and current Bruin Head Coach Amanda Cromwell,” said McGillis. “I believe that experience, coupled with a deep passion for providing a positive student-athlete experience, will result in championship success for the women in our program on and off the playing field.”
“I am extremely honored and proud to represent this extraordinary program and the University of San Diego,” says Lieberman. “I am eager to continue a winning tradition here at USD, and to working with an elite group of student athletes.”
“I have been blessed to come from an incredible institution such as UCLA. I want to thank all the great people I have worked with at UCLA over the years, they have all been exceptional, with a special thanks to Athletic Director Dan Gurrero, current Head Coach Amanda Cromwell, and former Head Coaches Jillian Ellis and BJ Snow. I am looking forward to meeting the team, and will hit the ground running,” says Lieberman.
Few coaches receive as high praise as Lieberman.
“I have known Louise since she was a standout player at UCLA, and I knew she would one day lead her own program. She is a bright and confident coach, and her leadership and personal qualities are an excellent fit for the University of San Diego,” says Jill Ellis, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach.
“Working alongside Lou at UCLA, I saw her build relationships and teach the game at the highest level – she will be a tremendous addition to the USD athletics department,” says Ellis.
“The University of San Diego hired a fantastic coach and quality person in Louise Lieberman,” says former boss says Amanda Cromwell, UCLA Women’s Soccer Head Coach. “While at UCLA for eight years, she was an integral part of our program’s success, including winning the first national championship in 2013. Lou’s knowledge of the game and recruiting ability are undeniable.”
“Lou is passionate about leading young women and will work to pursue excellence on a daily basis.”
“Even though UCLA is losing someone very special, we are proud and excited to see Louise continue her journey as head coach at USD,” says Cromwell.
“USD has hit it out of the park, or should I say hit the upper 90, with the hiring of Louise Lieberman,” says Lesle Gallimore, University of Washington Women’s Soccer Head Coach.
“Lieberman has quietly and humbly been a stalwart and huge part of the winning tradition of Bruin soccer for years,” says Gallimore.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching her as a youth player, collegiate player and, as a colleague, dedicated herself with passion and professionalism to Division 1 women’s soccer. USD was NOT short on tremendous candidates for this position and truly couldn’t go wrong,” says Gallimore. “But, they have in Louise Lieberman, a coach who is a proven winner as a person and coach. I’m confident the Toreros will see great success with her at the helm and her student-athletes will have the experience of a lifetime.”
“Louise Lieberman is one of the best coaches I have ever worked with. Her passion for the game alone will be a huge inspiration for the USD Women’s soccer team,” says Paul Caligiuri.
Who is Lieberman?
In short, she is a force to be reckoned with on and off the field. Honest, warm and sincere, Lieberman is highly respected by players and colleagues alike for accomplishments and commitment to the beautiful game. Known for her sunny disposition as well as her assumptive demanding nature, Lieberman is a perfect choice for USD.
Lieberman helped transform the Bruins into a national power in women’s soccer, as she helped lead UCLA to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, two final four appearances, and one national Championship in 2013, the first in Bruin history. Under her tutelage over the past eight seasons, the Bruins have produced 15 NSCAA All-Americans, six freshman All-Americans, 30 NSCAA All-Pacific Region players, two Pac-12 Players of the Year, one Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, 39 All-Pac-12 performers, and 13 Pac-12 All-Freshman team members.
Prior to her time at UCLA, she previously served as Director of Coaching for the highly-competitive LA Rampage FC for three years. Her primary position with the club included overseeing all 27 youth teams, while managing a staff of roughly 15 coaches. As director, she was also heavily involved in all parent/player relations with the club. Lieberman was hired by the Rampage to be the Director of Women’s Coaching in 2005 and was elevated to the main director position after just one year.
Before to her time with the Rampage, she served as Paul Caligiuri’s assistant for both the men’s and women’s teams at Cal Poly Pomona in 2002 and was an undergraduate assistant coach for the Bruin women in 1999. Lieberman has also been extensively involved with the Cal-South ODP team, coaching at both the U-14 and U-16 levels. In 2016, she was honored with the Cal South Excellence in Coaching Award. She has also worked with the U.S. Soccer U-18 National Team at their training camps.
As a player, Lieberman was a second-team All-Pac-10 selection at UCLA in 1995. She played in 78 games during her four-year career, totaling 31 points on seven goals and 17 assists. A two-year winner of the team’s Most Inspirational Award, she helped the program claim its first two Pac-10 Championships in 1997 and ‘98, and UCLA made the NCAA Tournament in three of her four seasons, reaching the quarterfinals in 1997. Following her UCLA playing days, she played one year for the WUSA’s Washington Freedom during the league’s inaugural season of 2001. In 2010, she was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Lieberman was a standout at Beverly Hills High School from 1991-95, earning multiple MVP, all-league and All-CIF honors. She was named one of Soccer America’s Elite 11 Recruits as a senior in 1995. She also led her club team, the Fountain Valley Spirit, to a national championship in 1994.
Lieberman graduated from UCLA in 2000 with a degree in Sociology.
