Cal Maritime selects Mike Bielski as its new Head Women’s Soccer Coach
VALLEJO, Calif. – Possessing over two decades of coaching experience at the junior college, NAIA and NCAA levels, Mike Bielski is Cal Maritime's new Head Women's Soccer Coach, as announced by Director of Athletics Karen Lee Yoder.
"I was immediately impressed with Mike's experience and ability to connect with student-athletes," said Yoder. "Just like other members of the department, he is passionate about creating the best possible academic and athletic experience for our cadet-athletes.
"His extensive network with head coaches from Northern California-based clubs and schools at all levels, combined with his reputation as a phenomenal teacher and recruiter, is why I am excited for him to join the Cal Maritime community," Yoder added.
"I want to thank the committee and Karen Lee Yoder for everyone's help throughout the hiring process. I am excited to get this team up and running and grateful for this opportunity," said Bielski.
Bielski joins the Keelhaulers after leading Cal State East Bay's men's soccer program for seven years. Throughout his tenure, 10 Pioneers earned all-conference honors, the program maintained at least a 3.0 team GPA throughout each academic year — the program earned a 3.4 GPA in his final terms at CSUEB — and everyone invested at least 400 hours of community service on an annual basis.
Bielski returned to Northern California as Cal State East Bay's head coach after serving as the head men's coach, and interim head women's coach, from 2011-16 at Otero Junior College (La Junta, Colorado).
Otero experienced an elite level of success throughout his years leading both soccer programs by recording a combined 72-24-5 record. In addition to winning Region IX championships in 2013 and '15, Bielski earned Region IX Coach of the Year accolades in each of those seasons.
Bielski's coaching career started in 2002 at Cal State Monterey Bay as its Men's and Women's Assistant Coach. Throughout his six years with the Otters, they won a California Pacific Conference regular season and tournament title in 2002, earned a spot in the CCAA's Division II regional rankings (#6) following the program's transition from the NAIA to NCAA level, and earned the first postseason appearance in school history when CSUMB advanced to the conference playoffs in 2008.
Success in Seaside led to his first collegiate head coaching opportunity, a position he held at Monterey Peninsula College from 2008-11. In his inaugural season as a head coach, Bielski received Coach of the Year distinction.
Throughout his years at Cal State Monterey Bay and Monterey Peninsula College, Bielski also served as a trainer and coach for Fremont Youth Soccer League's U12 through U18 teams.
Bielski's success as a coach took place following a standout playing career at the collegiate and professional levels.
A two-year starter at Ohlone Junior College, he earned all-conference honors and was named team captain each season before earning his degree. After transferring to Cal State Monterey Bay, he continued to collect all-conference accolades on an annual basis as the Otters' team captain.
Bielski graduated from CSUMB with a liberal studies degree in 2001 and became a professional shortly thereafter after signing with California Gold, a Modesto, California-based organization that competed in the United Soccer League.
Following his stint with California Gold, Bielski joined Salinas Valley Samba (Salinas, California); throughout his four-year career with this National Premier Soccer League squad, he helped Samba earn two postseason appearances and advance to the second round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup — a knockout cup competition involving teams from all United States professional soccer levels.
In addition to his associate and bachelor's degrees, Bielski earned a master's in kinesiology in 2013 from Saint Mary's College.
Bielski also possesses NSCAA National, NSCAA Advanced National, NSCAA Premier licenses and United Soccer Coaches Professional Development Certificate.