Oakland Soul Soccer hires first head coach

OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland Soul soccer announced on Thursday that the team hired its first head coach. 

Jessica Clinton comes to the new women's league in Oakland with more than 15 years of coaching experience and is ready to take on her new role.

"I cannot wait to get started," Clinton said on KTVU. "I am committed to making this team successful on the field while also contributing to the community off the field."

Clinton was head coach at Fordham University from 2014-2021 after playing soccer for Boston University where she graduated in hospitality administration and management. Her wife is from the Bay Area. 

Clinton said she hopes to get a team together as soon as possible. 

She especially wants to connect youth with college players, so they can see the culture and learn the techniques from them.

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Clinton said it's important to start inspiring the youngest age group possible because they might be playing pro soon.

There will be a couple of scrimmages over the next few months before the first game in May.