Aztecs women’s soccer head coach Mike Friesen has announced the hiring of Ariana Robles as an assistant coach. A San Diego native and Eastlake high school graduate, Robles played for the Aztecs from 2016-2019.

“To have an alumni join our staff is so exciting,” head coach Mike Friesen said. “Ari was a fantastic player, but even more importantly she was an unbelievable teammate. I have loved being a part of Ari’s growth over her time here and have continued to watch her grow since she graduated. I am excited to see her take off as a coach and know that she will have a huge impact on our team culture.  She has a unique ability to connect with people and push them to be their best.”

A four-year varsity letterwinner, Robles appeared in 71 games for the Aztecs, and started in 62 of them. Robles helped the Aztecs to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2017, a Mountain West Tournament title in 2017, a Mountain West regular season title in 2019. and three seasons in which the Aztecs posted double-digit wins. During her time at SDSU the Aztecs posted an impressive 25-11-7 record in Mountain West Conference play. A standout student in the classroom as well, she was a three-time Academic All-Mountain West selection (2017, 2018, 2019).

“I am extremely grateful to be back at the program that holds so many memories for me,” Robles said. “I’m excited to see what I can give back to this program from the other side of the lines now and help bring another Mountain West title back to San Diego State!”

After graduating from San Diego State with a degree in psychology, Robles coached at Eastlake high school during the 2021-22 season and helped lead the Titans to a 9-8-2 record.