Griffin a Gael

(Article by St. Mary's SID)
MORAGA, Calif. - The Saint Mary's men's soccer team has named Leonard Griffin as assistant coach, joining head coach Adam Cooper and assistant Chris Brown. Griffin comes to SMC after three seasons as an assistant coach at Cal State San Bernardino.
"I am very excited to add Leonard to our staff," said Cooper. "His experiences as a professional soccer player and NCAA Champion will be invaluable to our program. Leonard has played for, and learned from, some of the most respected coaches in the United States, and we look forward to him bringing that knowledge to our program."

He is currently a member of the Los Angeles Blues, a USL professional team.

Griffin has played professionally with the Los Angeles Blues, a USL professional team. Prior to being on the LA Blues, Griffin spent time with Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, Portland Timbers and L.A. Galaxy. While a member of the Galaxy, he played 20 minutes in an exhibition game against FC Barcelona in the Rose Bowl.

Griffin played four seasons at UCLA where he earned all-America honors in 2003 and helped the Bruins win a national title in 2002. He also played with the Orange County Blue Star and Austin Aztecs in the USL Premier Development League.

He was drafted by Chicago in 2004. He was waived in 2007 and signed with USL First Division Portland Timbers. The Columbus Crew acquired him, then waived him and he rejoined the Timbers in 2008. In 2009, he was signed by and played for the Galaxy, who played in the MLS Championship game that year.

Griffin works in all aspects of the Saint Mary's soccer program including recruiting, camp development, fundraising, team academics and day-to-day field training.

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"We are very excited for Leonard and know that this is the right and natural step forward in his coaching career. Saint Mary's athletics just hired a great coach and person and we are wishing him the very best in the future". - Travis Clarke, CSUSB Head Women's Soccer Coach

CSUSB assistant coaches Jenna Oltmanns and Tony Vigil will assume all of Leonard's previous duties at CSUSB.