American University Athletics has announced the promotion of Anabel Jimenez '04 to head coach of the women's soccer program.
"We are pleased to have an AU alumna and former standout player as head coach of our women's soccer program, and are confident that Anabel Jimenez will lead our program to the next level of competitive success," said interim Director of Athletics & Recreation David Taylor.
The former AU player has served five seasons as an assistant coach at American before assuming the title of interim head coach last December.
In addition to her coaching experience at American, Jimenez started every game in her career at AU. In 2002 and 2003, she was an All-Patriot League selection and she was named team MVP both seasons. The two-time captain and four-year starter for the Eagles (2000-2003) helped lead AU to their first-ever Patriot League Championship while earning Tournament MVP honors in 2002.
During Jimenez's five seasons as an assistant coach at American, the Eagles registered a 15-12-8 record in Patriot League play, including a berth in the 2009 conference championship game. AU has recorded a winning Patriot League record in four of the last five years.
"I am excited and honored to lead my alma mater," said Jimenez. "I look forward to the challenge of building on our past successes, keeping old traditions and creating new ones," said Jimenez. "I feel privileged to continue to be a part of the AU family and represent such a wonderful institution."
Jimenez has been directly involved with practice and gameday preparations including goalkeeper training sessions and scouting reports as well as recruiting, team activities, academic oversight, team travel, budget management and clinics and camps during her time as an assistant for the Eagles.
Jimenez began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant at George Mason in January 2007. She holds a NSCAA Advanced National coaching diploma.
After graduating from AU, Jimenez played professionally for the VFL-Wolfsburg in Germany. She was also a member of the Bay Area Breeze of the Women's Premiere Soccer League in San Francisco, Calif. Additionally, she competed for the Northern Virginia Majestics, Washington Freedom, Maryland Capitols and Maryland Pride.
Jimenez is a native of the Washington D.C. area. She played four years of high school soccer at Bullis High School in Potomac, Md., and was named All-Met. Jimenez played club soccer for the Bethesda Scorpions, winning seven state titles. She also played two years for the Freestate United. She was a member of the Olympic Development Program for seven years and was selected to Regional Camp each year. Her team finished second at Nationals in 1998.
Jimenez resides in Rockville, Md., with her fiance Blake Hering.
