Bay FC announce Albertin Montoya as head coach ahead of 2024 NWSL debut

The NWSL expansion franchise Bay FC announced Albertin Montoya as the club's first ever head coach ahead of their 2024 debut. 

He arrived after an "exhaustive process" led by Bay FC General Manager Lucy Rushton, who joined the organization in June. 

"We entered into the head coach selection process with a very definitive list of desired qualities and credentials, and as we moved through the process, Albertin was by far our leading candidate. His football philosophy—and his strong commitment to it—matches up perfectly with the style of play and the team identity we want our club to embody. His reputation within the football community also speaks for itself – there is a tremendous amount of respect for him as a coach, as a leader and as a person," said Lucy Rushton, General Manager of Bay FC. 

"His history of excellence, developing talent and his passion for the game is unmatched and will inspire players and fans alike."

Montoya boasts coaching success at the professional, collegiate and youth club level, most recently serving as interim manager for the Washington Spirit in 2022. He also served as head coach of FC Gold Pride as part of the Women’s Professional Soccer League from 2009 to 2010, leading the team to a championship season in his last season. 

"As the inaugural Head Coach of Bay FC, I’m honored to be a part of the foundation upon which our team’s history will be built," said Bay FC Head Coach Albertin Montoya. 

"Together, we'll create a legacy of determination, unity, and excellence. Our journey begins today, and I’m eager to recruit and lead an elite group of athletes towards a future filled with triumphs, and together, we'll write the remarkable story of Bay FC."

Bay FC will debut in the NWSL in 2024 after being announced as an expansion franchise earlier this year.