Women’s Soccer Announces Coaching Staff Changes
July 05, 2017 | Women's Soccer
UCLA women's soccer head coach Amanda Cromwell has promoted Joshua Walters to associate head coach and named Sam Greene the volunteer assistant coach, replacing Aline Reis, who is continuing her professional career overseas.
Walters, who has 10 years of Division I experience, will begin his fifth year on staff at UCLA. He joined Cromwell at UCLA in 2013 and promptly helped lead the Bruins to their first-ever NCAA title while earning NSCAA Pacific Region Assistant Coach of the Year honors. In 2016, he was the recruiting coordinator for the nation's No. 1 recruiting class, and the current freshman class is ranked as the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation. Walters previously coached at Central Florida (2012) and Utah State (2007-10) and was the Director of Soccer Operations at Florida State from 2010-12. Walters is a 2004 graduate of Columbia Southern University and holds a NSCAA Premier Diploma, as well as a NSCAA Goalkeeper Advance National license.
"Josh's promotion to associate head coach is very deserving," said Cromwell. "As recruiting coordinator, he worked tirelessly to ensure the No. 1 and No. 2 recruiting classes the last two years. Josh is a special coach with a great mind for the game. He loves UCLA and goes above and beyond for our program."
Greene, who has served as UCLA's Director of Soccer Operations since the 2013 season, will move into a volunteer assistant coach role with Reis' departure. Greene has a U.S. Soccer Federation C License and was the head coach of the LA Galaxy South Bay 2000 Elite age group from 2015-17. A 2011 graduate of Northwestern, Greene was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten soccer player and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar during her senior year. She finished her career ranked fourth on Northwestern's career (16) and single-season (eight) assists lists and fifth on the career games played list (78).
"We are beyond elated that Sam is now in a coaching position," Cromwell said. "Her ability to relate to the players and read the game is fantastic. Sam is a young coach but mature, knowledgeable and confident. We are reaping the benefits of Julie Foudy connecting us four years ago!"
Reis departs UCLA after four seasons as its volunteer goalkeeper coach. She coached NCAA all-time shutout leader Katelyn Rowland to NSCAA All-America honors in 2013 and 2014. In 2016, she earned her first-ever roster spot on the Brazilian National Team when she was selected to the Olympic roster. She made her national team debut in group play at the Rio Olympics and earned a shutout against South Africa. Reis will be playing professionally for ETO FC Györ in Hungary.
"We are very excited for Aline to pursue her dreams of playing professionally and continuing with the Brazilian National Team," said Cromwell. "Aline has had a huge impact on our program and left a lasting impression. As her former coach, current colleague and friend, I've seen Aline's passion infect so many. We were lucky to have her at UCLA."