SAN JOSE, Calif. - Former San José State superstar, Darriell Franklin, has been named as an assistant coach for the Spartans' women's soccer team, announced by head coach Tina Estrada on Thursday.
Franklin had an outstanding playing career for the Spartans from 2015-18. She helped lead SJSU to two Mountain West Tournament Championship titles and one regular season Mountain West title. A versatile player, Franklin played multiple positions over the course of her career, splitting time between defender and forward. She was a three-time All-Mountain West selection at multiple positions and was named the 2017 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
Franklin ranks near the top of the school record book in multiple categories. She is fifth in Spartan history in both career goals and points with 20 and 47, respectively, and she also tallied nine match-winning goals which is tied for third-most in program history. In 2015, Franklin set a school record for freshmen with nine goals.
"I am so excited to have such a legendary alumnna joining our coaching staff," said Estrada. "Darriell excelled on and off the field while she was a student-athlete. She is a leader, a role model, and a talented young coach that will bring so much experience and passion to our team. She is fully invested in this program and I cannot wait for her to start working with our players."
"I am absolutely thrilled to embark on a new chapter in my professional journey, and what better place to do that than here at my alma mater, San José State University," said Franklin. "Accepting the role as an assistant coach of the women’s soccer team is an incredible honor, and I am excited to work alongside head coach Tina Estrada. I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back to the university and soccer program that played a pivotal role in shaping my career."
Franklin graduated from San José State in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, Exercise and Fitness Specialist. Following graduation, Franklin stayed at SJSU as the Spartans' Director of Operations for two seasons. For the past two years, she was an assistant coach at Fullerton College where she helped guide the Hornets to an appearance in the Southern California Regional Playoffs in 2022.
"Back in 2015, when I committed to joining the soccer team at SJSU, my vision was clear – to contribute to the growth of the program and leave a lasting impact," said Franklin. "Today, as I step into this coaching role, that goal remains unwavering. I am driven to help guide this program towards continued growth and success, supporting these exceptional athletes in their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves both on and off the field."
What they are saying about Coach Franklin
Lauren Hanson, San José State Women's Soccer Head Coach (2014-2021)
"Darriell helped build the SJSU program as a student-athlete herself from the ground up into a Mountain West championship team and title contender. Her natural ability to lead throughout her playing career and carrying into coaching is what makes her special and an awesome hire for the program. She has a wealth of experience to help mentor the players and on the administration side to be an incredible support to Tina and the other coaches. I am so happy for them and for her to be back at SJSU!"
Kriss Flores, CDA Slammers Technical Director and Fullerton College Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach
"A great addition to SJSU Women’s Soccer program. Coach Darriell played in the Mountain West Conference as a player and to return as a member of the staff just brings so much relevance to the athletes that is needed in today’s game. The game is constantly evolving and the rise of strong intelligent women in the space is also making a huge impact and that’s supported with the addition of Coach Darriell to SJSU. She made such an impact during her short time here in The Orange Empire Conference, one of the toughest junior college conferences in all of California so I’m excited to see what she brings to the SJSU Women’s Soccer program. Her professionalism and passion for the game is contagious and we wish her the best of luck."
Pamela Lewin, Fullerton College Women’s Soccer Head Coach
"While we are sad to see Darriell leave Fullerton College, we are excited for her opportunity at San Jose State. Darriell is a dynamic coach. She brings energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm to everything that she does. Very few people have the opportunity to coach where they played in college but I think it's every coach's dream."
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