KANSAS CITY, Mo. — First-year Stanislaus State women's soccer assistant coach Aulani Fernandez has been named to the 2021-22 United Soccer Coaches 30-Under-30 class, an exclusive national mentorship and educational program offered by the national coaching organization.
 
Fernandez was selected for the program from nearly 300 applicants. The 30 Under 30 Program is a year-long education and mentorship opportunity for a special group of 15 male and 15 female coaches who are leading the way in developing soccer players and enhancing the game. The program is designed to give participants exposure to mentorship, and the opportunity to take advantage of educational offerings, such as diplomas, and the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
 
Fernandez joined the Warriors in August, just in time for their first games in 650 days. She's already been an integral part of the Stan State staff, helping the Warriors to a 7-6-3 overall record and a shot at the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament.
 
"Aulani is one of the most dynamic coaches I've ever worked with," said Stanislaus State head coach Gabriel Bolton. "She is a natural motivator who, in a very short time, has made a tremendous impact on our program. It's very easy to see why the United Soccer Coaches 30-Under-30 Program selected Aulani.  I'm excited to see her thrive in this amazing program and look forward to learning from her experience."
 
Fernandez joins a reputable line of former Stan State players and coaches who have also been selected for the 30-Under-30 program. In 2017, former Warrior Melissa Phillips, a decorated player at Stan State, was admitted into the program while she was an assistant at Penn. She is currently the head coach of the London Lionesses in the FA Women's Championship in England, part of the second tier of pro women's soccer in the UK.
 
In 2019, Alexia Poon, a former all-region and all-CCAA player at Stan State and an assistant coach with the Warriors' 2013 CCAA Championship team, was admitted to the program. She was, at the time and to this day, the head women's soccer coach at Sacramento City College.
 
"Being selected for the 30-Under-30 Program is an incredible accomplishment," said Fernandez. "I'm really looking forward to the educational opportunities this program will provide in all areas of coaching. Not only will I be learning more about the game of soccer and how I can better coach it, I'll also learn how to better myself and my players as people through this incredible game. The educational resources, along with having a mentor, will provide so many different perspectives and experiences to learn from and I'm really excited to take that all in and continue to grow in this amazing profession."
 
Fernandez and the Warriors play their final regular season game of the season at Cal State East Bay on Thursday, with a chance to qualify for the 2021 CCAA Tournament on the line. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Fans can find all live coverage links on WarriorAthletics.com.