Sacramento State women's soccer coach Chris Malenab was elevated to the position of Associate Head Coach on March 4. Photo courtesy of Sacramento State Athletics

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Having wrapped up his second season on the sidelines with the Sacramento State women's soccer program, Chris Malenab will enter his third year with the Hornet program with a new title, elevated to the position of Associate Head Coach it was announced on March 4.

"Chris has been a tremendous asset to our program since joining us in 2023," Head Coach Randy Dedini said. "He is a great coach, recruiter and human being. Over the past two years Chris and I have developed excellent chemistry, trust, and respect for one another. I'm excited to elevate Chris to Associate Head Coach and looking forward to a successful future together."

Malenab joined Sacramento State right before the start of the 2023 campaign and began to lay the foundation for a run that culminated in the program's first Big Sky Conference Tournament championship and berth in the NCAA Tournament in nearly 15 years in 2024.

"I am excited to have the responsibility to continue to contribute to the growth and success of the program," Malenab said. "The last two seasons have been amazing and I have had the chance to serve the student-athletes who have helped elevate me to this position. Working with Randy, DD, Leo, and Connor on a daily basis has allowed me to grow and become a better coach and leader each and every day."

A 2004 Sacramento State graduate who earned his degree in sociology, Malenab has helped mentor eight Hornets to All-Big Sky honors in his two seasons on the sidelines, including two-time first-team selection Abigail Lopez, who finished her career among the top 10 in school history in goals scored, points, and shot attempts.

Malenab brought with him a wealth of experience from the professional ranks upon joining the Sacramento State staff, spending time with Sacramento Republic FC (2014-17), Reno 1868 FC (2018-20), and Oakland Roots FC (2021) of the United Soccer League. His time with those three clubs resulted in a 2014 USL Championship, a 2016 Western Conference regular season title, 12 combined playoff berths, a pair of conference semifinal appearances, and a 2020 Supporters Shield.

He has also lent his talents as a coach and technical director with the California Storm of the USL W-League and Women's Premier Soccer League, as well as serving on the coaching staff with the Grenada Men's National Team and both the men's and women's national teams of Guam.

Starting his coaching career with various club and high school programs in the greater Sacramento area, Malenab's collegiate experience includes stops as an assistant at Cosumnes River College (2004), Stanislaus State (2009-11), and San Joaquin Delta College (2012-14), as well as a season with the Sacramento Knights FC of the National Premier Soccer League, helping the club qualify for the U.S. Open Cup.

He currently holds an A-Senior license from the U.S. Soccer Federation and a United Soccer Coaches Director of Coaching Diploma among others.