Cori Alexander has been playing goalkeeper for 20+ years, coaching it for 10+years, and knows what it takes to play at every level of the game. She has an innate ability to connect with players, identify areas to improve, build strengths, and break down technique and enhance confidence.
Alexander is in her first season at the University of California, Berkeley as an assistant coach. She coached at University of San Diego in 2010. Prior to that she was playing professionally in the WPS for Sky Blue FC (she was drafted seventh overall in 2008, was a part of the inaugural WPS Championship in 2009). Played for the US Under-21 and Under-23 National Teams, been into camp with the Full National Team.
As a goalkeeper at the University of Portland from 2003-2006, she helped lead the Pilots to an NCAA National Championship in 2005, earning NCAA Tournament Defensive MVP distinction. Alexander garnered All-American honors, All-Academic honors, West Coast Conference First Team, Portland's Team MVP (2006), and Portland's career leader in saves and shutouts.
Alexander, originally from Martinez, Calif., has coached with the Walnut Creek Soccer Club since returning to the Bay Area in 2010. She has also coached at FC Portland (2003-2009, Director of Goalkeeping 2008-2009). Served as an assistant coach at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill, Calif. (2009-2010). Coached summer camps at University of Oregon (2010) and University of Portland (2004-2010). She currently holds a National "D" coaching license.
In January of 2011, Alexander volunteered her time to be a part of the Indonesia America Soccer Exchange, coaching 300+ Indonesian girls and disabled youth, as an ambassador to the United States. A federally funded trip, aiding in improving relations between the two countries; removing stereotypes, judgments, and barriers through the game of soccer. Helped build community, brought together various faiths and economic levels. Empowered youth and women through sport, educated local coaches how to get more kids playing. Overall, a life changing experience.
"I have watched Cori Alexander over the years grow into a confident, responsible, reliable and respectable player; had the opportunity to watch her carry these same qualities as a coach. I first met Cori when I began coaching her at the University of Portland. I watched her grow in all areas of her life, and develop into a fantastic leader, both on and off the soccer field. Her leadership has spread into her coaching philosophy, which I have seen first-hand through her camp, club and collegiate coaching experiences. In watching her coach at each level, I am confident that she is one of the women’s game’s next great female coaches. She has an energetic and passionate outlook to teaching the game. She has learned from the best as she was coached by UP goalkeeper coach and current National team U23 coach, Bill Irwin. She developed a complete understanding of not only goalkeeping, but how the game of soccer is played and taught."
-Lauren Hanson, Associate Head Coach, University of Oregon