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Claire Abele
Claire Abele

Bio

Coach Abele begins her 3rd season at the helm of the Butte College Women’s Soccer Program. In her first 2 years leading the program, she has led the team to an overall record of 19-19-3, with 11 players earning all-conference honors, culminating in the program’s first 3C2A playoff appearance in 2024. In 2023, Abele was awarded the GVC Coach of the Year award as a first-year head coach.  
 
Prior to taking over as head coach, Abele spent 2 years as a volunteer assistant in the program, primarily working with the goalkeepers and defense.  
Abele played collegiate soccer as a goalkeeper at Chico State, winning 11 games, including five shutouts, as a true freshman. She appeared in 19 matches, allowing only 20 goals, while tallying 52 saves. Her work in the goal helped lead the team to a NCAA Tournament berth. In the classroom, she was named CCAA All-Academic.  
 
Prior to Chico State, Abele was a three-year letterwinner at Granada High School in Livermore, Calif., and was named to the Olympic Development Program State Team. With the Pleasanton Rage Girls Soccer Club, she played in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for four years. She was also a three-time North Coast Section Scholar-Athlete. 

Abele earned both her B.S. in Exercise Physiology and M.A. in Kinesiology from Chico State, graduating with distinction and earning the Outstanding Student in Kinesiology Award in 2023. In addition to her coaching duties, she is a faculty member in the Health, Kinesiology & Athletics Department at Butte College, teaching a variety of academic and activity courses within the department.  
 
As head coach, Abele is building a competitive and inclusive program at Butte College that prioritizes development and transfer readiness. Her leadership aims to guide athletes toward successful transitions—whether to four-year universities or professional opportunities—while cultivating a team culture grounded in accountability, unity, and purpose.