UCLA promotes from within, appointing Gof Boyoko as head coach

LOS ANGELES – Gof Boyoko, who has helped lead the UCLA women’s soccer team to a national championship and two conference titles over the past four seasons, was announced as the seventh head coach in program history.

Boyoko served as UCLA’s associate head coach for the past two seasons after joining the staff in 2022 as an assistant coach. Over four years, his teams have compiled a 67-13-9 (.803) overall record and a 33-5-6 (.818) conference record, with NCAA Tournament appearances in each year.

The Bruins won the NCAA Championship in Boyoko’s first season and captured conference titles in 2023 and 2024. In 2022, he and the UCLA coaches earned recognition by the United Soccer Coaches as the National and Pacific Region Staff of the Year after recording a program-best 13-0 start, ultimately earning a school record-tying 22 victories and winning the national title. Over the last two seasons, the Bruins have ranked in the Top 2 nationally in team defense, leading the nation in 2024 with a 0.41 goals against average and ranking second in 2025 with a conference-best 0.47 goals against average.

“Through his four years on staff here, Gof has made a big impact on the program and on the student-athletes,” said The Alice and Nahum Lanier Family Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond. “His soccer IQ and love of the game is unmatched, and he has also played a big role in developing the team’s proud championship culture. He has earned this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing him take the program to a new level as our head coach.”

Player development has been strong under Boyoko, as he has coached 21 Bruins who went on to professional playing careers both domestically and internationally, along with multiple national and youth national team players. UCLA players won six major conference awards during Boyoko’s four years on staff, including Defender of the Year three times in a row (Lilly Reale) and Freshman of the Year the last two seasons (Nicki Fraser in 2024 and Bella Winn in 2025).

“I am so honored to have the privilege to lead this UCLA program that has truly been home for me the last four years,” Boyoko said. “Being a Bruin and representing the four letters is special, and while I am proud of what we have built here, I’m also hungry and motivated to continue to improve this program in all facets. Thank you to Martin Jarmond and Erin Adkins for the opportunity, and thank you also to the players for their support. This Bruin family is strong, and together we have built a winning culture and tradition, and I am excited for what is ahead.”

Boyoko previously served as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator of the UC Santa Barbara women’s team from 2017-21. He helped guide the Gauchos to Big West Tournament appearances in 2017, 2018 and 2021, along with an appearance in the 2018 Big West final. He also served as the associate head coach at Santa Barbara City College from 2014-16, leading the Lady Vaqueros to their first Final Four appearance in 2016 and to the Western State North Conference championship in 2014. He was also the head coach of the Santa Barbara Soccer Club from 2012-22, winning two Surf Cups and the 2017 Coast Soccer Premiere League.

As a student-athlete and team captain at UC Santa Barbara, he led the Gauchos in scoring as a senior in 2013, recording eight goals, including five game-winning goals, and 19 points while earning All-Big West honors. He was a NAIA first-team All-American at Auburn Montgomery in 2011 after scoring 17 goals across 19 games. Boyoko was a member of the INF Clairefontaine Academy in France and has additional playing experience with Paris SG, Lille OSC, Real Mallorca and the French Youth National Team.

“Gof’s qualities as a leader really stood out throughout this process,” said UCLA Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director Erin Adkins. “He is known for his strong technical coaching, but what is equally impressive is his long-term vision for how to lead the program to elevated success. He has a strong desire to develop student-athletes on and off the field within a team-first championship culture. His confidence and passion for this program will allow the UCLA Women’s Soccer program to elevate their already elite standards.”

Boyoko, who grew up in Paris, France, graduated from UCSB in 2013 with a degree in Global & International Studies. He and his wife Rachel have two children, Khai and Enzo.