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    UCLA promotes Gof Boyoko to women’s soccer head coach
    • December 12, 2025

    UCLA promoted from within to replace Margueritte Bates (Aozasa), who left Westwood to become Texas’ women’s soccer head coach two weeks ago.

    Gof Boyoko, who served under Bates for her four seasons as head coach, including the Bruins’ 2022 national championship, is the seventh head coach in program history, UCLA announced Friday morning.

    “Through his four years on staff here, Gof has made a big impact on the program and on the student-athletes,” said athletic director Martin Jarmond in a press release. “His soccer IQ and love of the game is unmatched, and he has also played a big role in developing the team’s proud championship culture. He has earned this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing him take the program to a new level as our head coach.”

    Born in Paris, Boyoko began his tenure in Westwood as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach ahead of the 2024 season. The UC Santa Barbara alumnus – who played for the Gauchos men’s soccer team, winning All-Big West honors in 2013 – transitioned to a role on the women’s soccer coaching staff in 2017, where he served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for five seasons.

    Boyoko began his coaching career in 2012 as the coach of the Santa Barbara Soccer Club, a youth soccer club, a role he held until 2022. Before arriving at UCSB, Boyoko coached at the junior college level as the associate head coach at Santa Barbara City College from 2014-16.

    “I am so honored to have the privilege to lead this UCLA program that has truly been home for me the last four years,” Boyoko said in a press release. “Being a Bruin and representing the four letters is special, and while I am proud of what we have built here, I’m also hungry and motivated to continue to improve this program in all facets.”

    UCLA finished the 2025 season with a 12-5-4 record and exited in the second round of the NCAA tournament after falling to BYU on penalty kicks. Since winning the national championship in 2022, the Bruins have not passed the second round, falling short of the Women’s College Cup in the previous three seasons.

    Boyoko’s next job is roster retention and creation ahead of the fall 2026 season, as he tries to right the ship after Bates’ departure.

    “This Bruin family is strong, and together we have built a winning culture and tradition, and I am excited for what is ahead,” Boyoko said.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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