FULLERTON, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton coach Michael Thomas has been promoted to associate head coach and former Titans men's soccer player Bryan Escalante was added to the coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach, head coach Demian Brown announced Wednesday.
"This is a well-deserved promotion," Brown said. "As a program we are extremely fortunate to have the service and expertise that Michael provides on a daily basis."
Thomas will be entering his third season as a member of the Titans coaching staff, serving as an assistant in 2014 and 2015.
"I would like to thank Athletic Director Jim Donovan, Demian Brown and the entire athletics department for this opportunity," Thomas said. "The last two years have been special to me as we have seen the athletic department and the women's soccer program take significant positive steps forward. I look forward to continuing to work with this special group of people as we turn the next page"
Escalante joins the Titans coaching staff in 2016 after playing four years (2010-13) as a goalkeeper for the Titans men's soccer team.
"I'm really excited to be joining the Titans coaching family and would like to thank Demian Brown and the athletic program for the opportunity and for trusting my work," Escalante said. "I'd also like to thank the coaching staff, players, and the rest of the Titans community for the warm welcome. I'm looking forward to helping the program continue its success and reach new heights."
Thomas joined the Titans coaching staff in July 2014 and during his two years with the program, the Titans have won back-to-back regular season Big West Conference championships and back-to-back Big West Conference Tournament titles while making two consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament.
In addition, Fullerton has amassed a record of 26-11-6 overall (.674) and a mark of 12-2-2 (.813) in Big West Conference matches. Furthermore, the Titans have collected six National Soccer Coaches of Association of America All-West Region honors, two Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Year awards, one Big West Conference Midfielder of the Year honor, one Big West Conference Defensive Player of the Year award, two Big West Conference Tournament MVP honors, 13 all-Big West Conference awards and nine Big West Conference Players of the Week.
Off the field, in the last two seasons, the Titans have had two senior CLASS Award candidates, two Big West Conference Scholar Athletes of the Year and 18 Big West all-academic honors.
Escalante played in 26 games overall for the Titans over four years, logging 2,072 minutes in net. In 2013, he notched career highs in games played (15), and saves (65) to go along with a 1.60 goals against average and three shutouts. He made 95 saves in his Titans career and posted a 9-12-1 overall record.
"I am excited about the addition of Bryan to our program," Brown said. "His experiences and energy will have positive influences on our goalkeeping core and program as a whole."
In other news, Titans assistant coach Stacey Webster and husband Perry welcomed baby Vince Joseph Webster to the Titans family. Stacy gave birth to Vince on July 4th.