Vecchio Steps Down to Pursue Other Opportunities

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – After five years of service to the Cal State Bakersfield Athletics Department, Sebastian Vecchio will step down from his post as Head Women's Soccer Coach to pursue other opportunities within coaching.

CSUB Director of Athletics Kyle Conder has instated Ali Hanif as the Interim Head Coach of the Roadrunners. Hanif is wrapping up his first year as an Assistant Coach at CSUB, but he brought 15 years of coaching experience with him to Bakersfield and he has built a strong rapport with the squad.

"We appreciate Coach Vecchio's service to CSUB Women's Soccer and Cal State Bakersfield Athletics. He has cultivated a program that is ready to be successful as we move forward. I understand his decision to do what is best for his young family. We will build on the growth that CSUB Women's Soccer experienced under Coach Vecchio's leadership."

Vecchio's departure comes after five seasons at the helm of the `Runners. One year after his 2018 arrival, Vecchio helped lead the `Runner women's soccer team to the highest win total (9) in its Division I history (since 2017).

Over four competitive seasons in his tenure, Vecchio tallied 22 victories, second-most among coaches in CSUB's Division I era, while also helping navigate the program's transition from the Western Athletic Conference to The Big West.

The CSUB women's soccer team is filled with talented student-athletes from across the country and the world. The 2022 squad posted a 4-8-6 record, narrowly missing out on Big West postseason competition while scoring a notable improvement from its 3-14-2 finish the season prior.

"It's with bittersweet emotions that I am stepping down as Bakersfield Head Coach," Vecchio said. "I want to thank our administration, this community, but most importantly my student-athletes and staff! The foundation has been set, the culture is strong, standards are high, and the talent is in place for this team to be successful. It is time to relocate closer to family and to accomplish some personal goals! Thank you, Bakersfield, for five wonderful years!"

Stay tuned for news from CSUB Athletics on the upcoming national search for the next leader of the `Runner women's soccer program.

~GoRunners.com~

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