By Alexis Corona – Spear Reporter | Photo Courtesy of SJSU Athletics
On Wednesday, San Jose State Athletic Director Jeff Konya announced the hiring of Sonia Curvelo as the women’s soccer head coach.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sonia Curvelo to the San José State family,” Konya said in a press release on Wednesday. “Sonia’s leadership and commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field align perfectly with our vision for building champions in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.”
This hiring makes Curvelo the eighth head coach in the history of the women’s soccer program at SJSU.
Curvelo takes the place of Tina Estrada, who coached the women’s soccer team for the previous three seasons with an overall record of 12-30-18.
Estrada led the Spartans to a Mountain West tournament title in 2022 and an appearance in the NCAA tournament.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to join the San José State community and lead this program,” Curvelo said in a press release on Wednesday.
Curvelo brings a successful coaching resume and winning experience to the San Jose State women’s soccer program.
Curvelo coached Prairie View A&M University to 38 wins, including the program’s best 13 wins in 2019 and 2021.
During her four years at PVAMU, Curvelo led the Panthers to their first two Southwestern Athletic Conference championships in 2019 and 2021.
In 2012, she was named the SWAC Coach of the Year after leading Mississippi Valley State to a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament bid.
In all her five years at MVSU, Curvelo coached the Delta Devils to a SWAC tournament berth.
Curvelo last coached Sam Houston State University, where she improved the team’s winning record in her third season from its previous season.
“Together, we will strive to build a championship culture both on and off the field,” Curvelo said.
