Trent Excalibur Welcomes New Head Coach to Women’s Soccer Team
Francis Etienne will make the switch from men’s assistant coach to women’s head coach for the 2024/25 season
The Trent Excalibur Varsity Program has announced Francis Etienne as head coach of the women’s soccer team for the 2024/25 season.
A seasoned coach with over 18 years of experience, Etienne is no stranger to the sport or to Trent Athletics, having acted as assistant coach for the men’s soccer program for the last five seasons.
“We are excited to have Francis continue his coaching career at Trent University as he moves into the head coaching role with our women’s soccer program,” said Nathan McFadden, director, Athletics & Recreation. “He is a former CIS national champion who embodies our values of high integrity and outstanding character, coupled with an excellent understanding of the game of soccer and the OUA.”
Now, making the switch to the women’s program as head coach, Etienne says he is very excited for this new chapter in his coaching career.
“I look forward to leading a team that will be competitive and represent the University proudly,” he said.
Finishing the 2023/24 season with a 3-8-1 record, the women’s soccer team is excited to welcome the new coach with an impressive track record. Etienne’s coaching accolades include two Ontario Cup semi-finals, two Ontario Cup finals and two Ontario Finals victories. He has also led teams to several major tournament championships in Canada and the United States including the Disney Showcase 2018, Executive Cup 2018, Jefferson Cup 2018 Ottawa Tournament of Champions 2017, Baltimore Showcase 2017, Lakefront Classic Showcase 2017 Total Soccer Showcase 2017 and Fort Wayne Puma Cup 2016.
While coaching with Ajax FC, Etienne was a two-time recipient of the Angelo Medica Award, which recognizes outstanding coaching and dedication to the club.
While coaching a competitive team is as the forefront, Etienne says he hopes to build a tight-knit group amongst the players and coaching staff.
“I look forward to building a closer working relationship with our local Peterborough and Durham region soccer clubs to further grow the Women's game of soccer,” he said.