Jessup Athletics formally announced the addition of Amsalu Fantahun as the new head coach for the Women’s Soccer program in July of 2022. Fantahun has now led the Warriors through three seasons, as the 2025 campaign will be year four in Rocklin. In three years as head coach, Fantahun has posted a record of 12-31-6.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to be named the head coach of the William Jessup women’s soccer program,” Fantahun commented. “I look forward to adding my knowledge and experience as we continue to build on past success and continue the development of the program.”
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
- Fantahun recorded his first win with the Warriors when Jessup defeated Pacific Union College, 4-0, on August 30. The Warriors remained in the hunt for the GSAC Tournament until the final day of the season, ending the year 3-9-2 overall and 1-6-1 in conference. Fantahun and the Warriors won their first GSAC match together on October 22, a 2-1 victory over Arizona Christian. Sophomore Kaylee Gillespie was named to the All-GSAC team at the end of the year. Sophomore Hannah Olariu earned a spot on the CSC Academic All-District team, while the Warriors finished with five GSAC/NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
- Year two for Fantahun was capped off with a record breaking performance, as junior Kaylee Gillespie scored her 28th career goal to become the all-time leading goal scorer in program history. The season saw Jessup improve on their win total from the 2022 campaign, as the Warriors won five matches. Gillespie earned her third All-GSAC selection at the end of the year.
- Jessup transitioned to NCAA Division II and the PacWest Conference in the summer of 2024. The Warriors' first Division II season saw the team finish 4-12-2, with two of the wins coming in conference matches. Senior Kaylee Gillespie ended her historic Jessup career with Second-Team All-PacWest honors.
PRIOR TO JESSUP
Before joining the Warriors, Fantahun etched his name into the Sacramento soccer community, having served as the Director of Coaching for Sacramento United Soccer Club since 2015. Fantahun focused primarily on teams from U9 to U23, most recently holding the title of Girls Soccer Director for ages U13 – U 19.
Along with experience with Sac United, Fantahun has helped with the NorCal Premier Soccer League since 2015, working to organize soccer events for thousands of youth soccer players in the Sacramento area.
Fantahan comes to Jessup with several soccer certifications on his resume, including his USSF B License.
Athletic Director Lance Von Vogt spoke about what made Fantahun stand out in the hiring process, stating, “Coach Am’s commitment to the whole student-athlete leading through spiritual formation and development was evident throughout our interview process.”
Fantahun has earned over 15 licenses or certifications for the game of soccer since 2009.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
14 Scholar-Athletes
3 All-Conference
1 CSC Academic All-District
PERSONAL
Fantahun earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Addis Ababa University in 2009. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the same university in 2006, studying Physical Education and Sports.
