Fred Trinh has had the interim tag removed from his title and will lead the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s soccer program moving forward. Longtime former head coach Ilsa Wong will remain with the program and move into an assistant coach's role.
“I am very pleased that both Fred and Ilsa have renewed their commitment to our program,” says Sport and Recreation Executive Director Ken McInnes. “Their leadership, and the removal of the interim coach title for Fred, will bring much needed stability to the program. Fred and Ilsa’s hard work and passion for the sport is clear and they have been instrumental in the development of women's soccer here at the University.”
Last season under Trinh’s guidance as the interim head coach, the Horns went 2-9-3 and made their first playoff appearance since 2007. The club lost a one-game playoff to the University of Saskatchewan.
“It is with great joy that I am named head coach moving forward,” says Trinh. “Not only do I get to work with a great group of players and coaches (Gui Costa, Layne Hamilton, Jesse Dyck, Jared Evans and Chris Tuck) but we also get to welcome Ilsa Wong back as assistant coach after a year away from the sidelines.”
“In my opinion the real winners are the student-athletes as they gain the wisdom and experience of two excellent coaches,” adds McInnes. “I am looking forward to watching the coaching staff and athletes build on their quarter-final playoff appearance of last year.”
Trinh, a long standing member of the southern Alberta soccer community, holds a CSA National B license and in addition to his longtime role with the Pronghorns, he has been the head coach for the Sunny South District Soccer Association and led the Coaldale Thunder U10 team.
Trinh has also served as Learning Facilitator for the Alberta Soccer Association. Learning Facilitators (LF) play a key role in the LTPD Coaching Pathway. The LF takes on the responsibility for training and developing coaches who are looking to enhance their own individual experience and qualifications through formal training and certification programs.
Prior to last season, Wong decided to take a step back from the program after 15 seasons as head coach. The Horns made two playoff appearances during her 15 seasons at the helm of the program, with the last being in 2007 when the club lost in the Canada West quarter-final. Wong was also named the Canada West coach of the year that season.
“Ilsa will be a welcomed addition to our day-to-day coaching staff as she brings a great deal of experience," says Trinh.
The Horns will open training camp for the 2016 season in early August and the 2016 season will commence in early September. The finalized 2016 Canada West schedule will be announced in June.