Coaching Is Her Calling

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Still basking in the glow from a  historic season at Paul Revere Middle School, girls soccer coach Mele French is now focusing on her “other” project—one just as near and dear to her heart.  

“In my four years coaching  the Revere program this was the strongest team all around,” French said after leading the squad to a perfect season capped by the Jr. Delphic League title in February. “Everyone worked hard and believed. We grew a strong bond that helped us go as far as we did. We spent many training days playing the boys which was challenging but beneficial in our preparation.”

French is also the Director of Coaching at the LA Bulls Soccer Club, a local youth organization she co-founded with Kelly Parker,  formerly of the Canadian national team. French coaches two teams, 2009 Black and 2002 Silver Elite, which practice at Revere and play games at Palisades High.   

“We’re the only Palisades- based youth club and also the only club in Los Angeles that’s female driven and operated,” the 35-year-old from Hawaii said. “We’ve got terrific coaches who’ve achieved World Cup and Olympic medals. We’re only five years old and still growing but we focus on building the mental, psychological and physical parts of the game.”

After netting eight goals in 47 games at the University of Oregon French started her senior career with the Pali Blues in 2008, helping them win their first W-League title. French returned to the team in 2013 to help it win back-to-back titles and she was MVP in 2014. She joined Palisadian Ali Riley on the WPS champion Western New York Flash in 2011.   

Her coaching staff consists of six females and three males. There are eight girls and nine boys teams with nearly 300 players. “I hope the best for everyone now in this tough time,” she said. “We want to reach out to girls in the Palisades.”

To learn more about the LA Bulls program, tryouts or camps, visit the website at www.labulls.com or email  French directly at Mfrench@labulls.org.