IRVINE, Calif. --- Head Coach Scott Juniper has reloaded his coaching staff with a veteran voice as his newest assistant coach, Wendy Espejel.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to join the staff at UC Irvine. I'm excited to contribute to a program with such strong standards, ambition, and history of success under coaches Juniper and Woolridge. I am ready to bring lots of energy and a competitive mindset as we continue to raise the standard. Go 'Eaters!"

"We are so happy to welcome Wendy to the Anteater family. Having worked together before, I know that Wendy will fit in really well with our coaching staff and that she has the kind of personality and work style the players will enjoy on day one", boasted head coach Scott Juniper.

Espejel comes to UC Irvine from the head coaching ranks at NAIA Soka University where she has been for the past nine seasons and head coach for the last five. She's led the Lions to 32 wins, 21 conference wins, and nine-win seasons in each of the past two years leading them to berths in their conference tournament.

"Wendy has been a head coach for a number of years, so she understands how every layer of a program connects and that will help us stay ahead of the curve with all of our workflows. Most importantly, Wendy is a winner, and I can't wait to build championship teams with her and our staff."

More of Espejel's exploits include being a coach and scout for the Cal South Olympic Development Program. Prior coaching experience included taking on the men's and women's teams at Providence Christian College in their inaugural season as well as two years at Point University in Georgia. She currently holds her USSF "B" National License.

As a player, Espejel notably was a goalkeeper for the U-20 Mexican National Team as well as the Mexican University Olympic Team where she competed in various international tournaments, and is now an assistant coach for the team as they prepare for the U20 World Cup in Poland this year. She graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a double major in Exercise Science and Spanish. She also spent time studying Spanish Literature in Costa Rica. While at ONU, she helped the Lady Tigers get to the NAIA National Championship final for the first time in program history. She was a three time All-American, and still holds the record for a perfect league season in goal (no goals scored against her during league).