As standout defensive player for the UNC Pembroke Braves from 2009-2013, Brittany Padilla begins her eighth year on staff for the 2023-24 season and was named associated head coach in January 2020. 

Padilla brings coaching experience to the Braves following stints as assistant coach for the U18 Onslow Classic Soccer Association in 2014, head coach for the U18 and U15 Onslow Classic Soccer Association in 2013 and assistant coach for Jacksonville High School in 2013. 

She helped to coach the U18 Onslow Classic Soccer Association to four championships as the Charlotte Invitational, CASL Shootout, Premiere League and Disney Showcase, while also ranking first in the state with a 24-3-2 record. With the Jacksonville Cardinals, the team advanced to the third round of the NCHSAA state playoffs.

During her time as a student-athlete, Padilla amassed 5136 minutes on the field with 65 games played and 50 starts. The PBC Honor Roll honoree in 2012 and 2013 registered 10 goals, five of those game-winners,  and six assists in her four years on the field including 63 shots, 32 of which (.508) were on goal. She logged all 90 minutes in both the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament in 2010, was named PBC Defensive Player of the Week and assisted the UNCP defense in leading the Peach Belt Conference and ranking 12th in the nation in goals against average. 

She graduated from UNC Pembroke in May of 2013 with her bachelor degree in health promotions and was awarded her master’s degree in physical education in 2017 from UNCP. She resides in Pembroke.

Updated: August 2023