Former UCLA National Champion Joins Pepperdine Women’s Soccer Staff

Former UCLA women’s soccer star Maddi Desiano is joining the Pepperdine women’s soccer coaching staff as an assistant coach, head coach Tim Ward announced Thursday.

“I am so incredibly excited to join an elite program and become a part of the Wave Family,” Desiano said in Pepperdine’s press release. “I am grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get to work with this amazing team and staff. Go Waves!”

Desiano has played for three professional teams since graduating from UCLA in 2022. The San Clemente, California native made stints with the NWSL’s Houston Dash, overseas in Denmark with Odense Boldklub and most recently, played for Spokane Zephyr FC.

“We’re so very excited about the arrival of Maddi Desiano into the Waves family,” Ward said in Pepperdine’s press release. “She brings an incredible wealth of unique experiences as a player of the highest level.”

“She’s been to the ‘mountaintop’ as a collegiate player but also had to journey through the valleys to get there,” Ward continued. “Her recent time as a pro was also a really sweet and formative period for her and I truly believe that her lived experiences will serve our players incredibly well.

Most importantly, I do believe it’s her character that will bless these Wave women. She is a remarkable young woman and we’re so excited to have her join us on this amazing adventure we call Pepperdine Soccer.”

Desiano’s Career at UCLA

Desiano played for UCLA for four seasons from 2018-22.

She finished her career by helping the Bruins win the second national championship in program history on Dec. 5, 2022. Desiano played every minute of that national title game. She was also part of two Pac-12 championship teams.

During UCLA’s playoff run that season, Desiano scored a crucial goal for the Bruins in the semifinals against Alabama. She also scored the game-winning goal in the NCAA Round of 16 victory over Northwestern.

Photo Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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