TURLOCK, Calif. — Stanislaus State women's soccer head coach Gabriel Bolton is departing the University after 21 seasons to accept the head coaching position at Fresno State.
 
Bolton led the Warriors across two stints at the helm (2001–02, 2006–25), building Stan State into a consistent conference and national contender. He finishes his Stanislaus State career with a 223-123-48 overall record (.627 winning percentage), the most wins by a head coach in program history.
 
During Bolton's tenure, the Warriors earned 11 postseason appearances, including four NCAA Tournament berths and 11 CCAA Championship Tournament appearances, highlighted by CCAA titles in 2011 and 2013 and the program's signature achievement — the 2014 NCAA Division II West Region Championship. That 2014 team became the first women's soccer squad in program history to reach a No. 1 national ranking and will be inducted into the Stanislaus State Athletic Hall of Fame in January.
 
Bolton's final season capped another strong campaign for the Warriors. Stan State concluded the 2025 season with an 11-5-4 record, finished third in the CCAA standings and received votes in the final United Soccer Coaches Division II National Poll. The Warriors posted eight shutouts, a 7-3-1 home record and outscored opponents 31–19 across 20 matches.
 
Bolton's teams were also recognized nationally for academic excellence, earning 19 United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Awards during his tenure. The Warriors posted a team GPA of 3.0 or higher in every season under Bolton's leadership except for 2001, the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, and one additional season.
 
Across his career, Bolton coached 77 All-CCAA honorees, including 21 First Team selections, produced three All-Americans, 27 All-West Region honorees, and more than 150 CCAA All-Academic award winners.
 
Beyond competitive success, Bolton emphasized both academic excellence and community engagement. His teams consistently rank among the conference's top programs in the classroom and were staples in the community. 
 
"We wish Gabe, Kathy and his three children the best on the next steps of their journey. We have had unparalleled success over his time here, and we look forward to continuing the legacy of success of this program going forward," said Director of Athletics Aaron Allaire.
 
Stanislaus State will begin a national search for its next women's soccer head coach immediately.