Other than our Good-Attendance record and being all-round good-sports, have Portland Pilots teams earned National Titles and Distinction?
The Jewel in the Crown has been Women’s Soccer, twice NCAA national champions.
Women’s soccer began in UP in 1980 under coach Ken Robinette. Soccer on the Bluff became dominant under former Timber’s player, Clive Charles’ leadership (1988-2002), resulting in Pilots appearances at national tournaments starting in 1992. The pinnacle of Clive Charles’ Pilot career was coaching the 2002 Women’s Soccer team to achieve for UP our first ever national championship; which was also the last collegiate game he coached. Garrett Smith picked up the reins as head coach and led the team to its second national championship in 2005.
Pilot women’s soccer – Best in the Field = 2 national championships; 3 national title appearances; 21 playoff berths.
Plus, our alumnae are World Cup playmakers: 3 first place; 1 second place; 3 third place; 1 fourth place, and Olympic medalists: 4 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze!
We can also go back a century to brag over the Men’s Soccer Interscholastic League title in 1914!
Celebrate Pilot Women’s Soccer with a visit to the University Museum where displays include: Rachael Rapinoe’s national championship jersey (2005); President George W. Bush’s letter of praise for our National champions (2002); National championship ring (2002); Soccer ball signed by members of the national championship team (2005); Cameron Cup Soccer Trophy (1914!) . For museum hours and information: https://library.up.edu/museum
I knew we had won one but I wasn’t certain of the year (2005). Now I found out the girls
also won in 2002. Way to go, gals!!!
John Moore, 1955