Bobbie Taylor named VIU Women's Soccer Head Coach

NANAIMO – A decorated Mariner is back on campus to lead VIU women's soccer in 2022.

Bobbie Taylor, a midfielder and captain with the Malaspina College Mariners from 1988-91 and an accomplished Vancouver Island educator and youth soccer director, has been named the new head coach for the VIU women's soccer program.

Taylor takes over the role from Kevin Lindo, who was named head coach of VIU's men's soccer program in May.

"I'm super excited to work with the program," Taylor said. "Kevin has created a strong competitive atmosphere and I hope to continue with that."

Taylor previously served as head coach for Mariners women's soccer for one season (2000-01). As a student-athlete, she scored 13 goals in 25 games with the Mariners and was a two-time winner of the Golden Boot Award as her team's top goal scorer. Her success included a provincial championship and a Malaspina Female Athlete of the Year award in the 1988-89 season.

2000-2001: Malaspina Mariners Women's Soccer with Bobbie Taylor (back row, far right) in her first stint as Mariners coach.

She moved on to the University of Victoria, where she was named a Canada West All-Star and put herself on the radar of Canada's national team program.

In addition to earning a Physical Education diploma from Malaspina and a Bachelor of Education with a double major in Physical Education and Biological Sciences from the University of Victoria, Taylor earned a Master of Education in Leadership & Administration from the University of Gonzaga. Her professional development certifications include youth coaching and coaching development licenses from Canada Soccer and safe sport and wellness certifications from the National Coaching Certification Program.

After her undergraduate education, Taylor returned to Nanaimo and taught at Woodlands Secondary School from 1994 until 2016, when she moved to Nanaimo District Secondary School. In addition to her teaching duties, Taylor leads the NDSS Soccer Academy.

Her coaching resume includes youth programs within the Vancouver Island Premier League, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Nanaimo United FC, where Taylor currently serves as a Competitive Coach and Player Development Lead for U12-U18 females.

Danielle Hyde, Director of Athletics and Recreation at VIU, is "extremely happy" for Taylor to take over the women's soccer head coaching role with the Mariners.

"She has a wealth of experience leading and developing young athletes in academy and school settings and has made a considerable impact on many soccer players in this area," Hyde said. "We're very excited for her to continue that legacy at VIU."

When asked to recollect her original stint with the Mariners, Taylor cited her coach, Mike Armstrong, as a "super positive" influence.

"I hope to create fond memories for this team as well," Taylor said. "I hope that the student-athletes look back and say they grew in a holistic way. I want them to feel courageous and act on that, whether in the classroom or on the pitch, seeking to understand and risk trying to go to the next level, however that path looks for each individual."

Mariners women's soccer placed third in the PACWEST in 2021 with a 2-6-1 record. The 2022 season kicks off on September 10 and the league schedule will be released in the summer.

For more information, please contact Matt Carter, Communications & Sport Information Coordinator, at 250-740-6402 or matt.carter@viu.ca.