CSUN Adds Jenny Ruiz-Williams to Women's Soccer Coaching Staff

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---CSUN Women's Soccer head coach Keith West has announced the hiring of Jenny Ruiz-Williams as the program's new assistant coach. A prolific soccer player at the collegiate, professional and international level, Ruiz-Williams joins the Matadors after coaching youth soccer for the past decade. In time for the spring 2018 season, Ruiz-Williams will work with the Matadors' defense.

"I am extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity to join such an outstanding group of coaches, trainers and athletic staff at CSUN," said Ruiz-Williams. "After my first conversation with Keith West, I knew this was where I wanted to be. His passion for the program, and his enthusiasm towards guiding players to success on the field, in the classroom and in life is contagious. There is something very special growing at this university, and I am honored to join the positive momentum.

"In addition to Keith, I want to also thank Tim Lanski, the hiring committee, Cynthia Rosas and everyone in the Matador family for helping me feel so welcomed and part of the CSUN community," added Ruiz-Williams.

Originally from Anaheim, Ruiz-Williams most recently served as a director and coach of the Nashville Football Club since 2014 as she managed the development of the girls academy and mentored players on regional teams who have competed in international competitions. While in Tennessee, Ruiz-Williams also worked as a selection and district training coach for the Tennessee Olympic Development Program and Player Development Program.

Ruiz-Williams has been the girls academy director and coach at the Palo Alto Soccer Club from 2010-2013 and in 2015. She was also a director and coach with Elite Academy for Girls in the San Francisco Bay area.

In addition to her coaching background, Ruiz-Williams brings extensive experience learned on the pitch to the Matador sidelines.

Ruiz-Williams attended Corona High School, earning three Most Valuable Players awards in addition to a Corona NorCo District Player of the Year nod. In 2000, she played with the Southern California Blues U-16 team, helping the squad win a national championship. A year later, Ruiz-Williams guided the U-17 squad to a second-place finish at the national championships.

A four-year letterwinner at UNLV, Ruiz-Williams played 72 collegiate games and helped the Rebels become one of the top defenses in the Mountain West Conference. A two-time All-Mountain West selection, she helped the Rebels win the regular season conference title and clinch their first ever NCAA appearance in 2004 as UNLV allowed just 14 goals that season. She also netted three goals during her collegiate career.

Ruiz-Williams played international soccer with the Mexican National Team, helping the squad win a bronze medal at the 2003 Pan American Games. After a seven-year hiatus from the team, Ruiz-Williams returned to the national squad in 2011 where she helped guide Mexico to another Pan American bronze medal with a game-winning goal against Columbia.

In 2015, Ruiz-Williams competed at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, making two starts at midfield. She also helped Mexico win another bronze medal at the Pan American Games that same year. Her international resume also consists of appearances in the Algarve Cup, Australian Cup, Tournament of Brazil and Tournament of Nations in China.

Ruiz-Williams played club soccer for the Bay Area Breeze of the Women's Premier Soccer League from 2011-12 before joining the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women's Soccer League in 2013.

"The playing experience Jenny brings is unbelievable," said West. "She seen it at the highest level. Playing in the World Cup, you can't speak about or know about it unless you've experienced it. Listening to her talk, her take on situations, is pretty enlightening for me. More importantly, she's a strong woman and brings a presence to the team. Not only could she give ideas of what's happening on the field, but she could give them lessons in life. She's a mother, has a family, traveled the world and spent time guest speaking. The overall experience she brings from her travels is amazing."

Ruiz-Williams has a degree in communications from UNLV and a master's degree in education from Loyola Marymount University.

California State University Northridge Athletics

CSUN Adds Jenny Ruiz-Williams to Women's Soccer Coaching Staff

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