Tina Estrada and her San Jose State women’s soccer squad are on a roll. This article discusses the Spartans’ recent success and Estrada’s journey. We also touch on the university's mental health resources for student-athletes.
Estrada's success
Estrada, who became assistant coach of the women's soccer program at San Jose State in 2017, has a similar pedigree to Hanson. She was an All American college soccer player. Estrada was a three time all-WCC forward at Santa Clara and played in four NCAA Tournaments. She was named NSCAA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2015.
Estrada is originally from Fremont, Calif. but she now lives in Walnut Creek. Estrada was the National Assistant Coach of Year. Her teams won five consecutive conference tournaments. She also coached the Spartans into two NCAA Tournaments.
SJSU's recent success
A number of players can be credited for SJSU's recent success with women's soccer. Most notably Dorthe Hoppius won the MVP award for the team, but she will not be back with the Spartans during the 2018 season. Jamilecxth Becerra, a sophomore, was also named Mountain West Newcomer-of-the Year. She scored seven goals, five of which were game-winning. Darriell Benjamin was also named MW defensive player-of-the-year and to the All-MW first-team.
New facilities have contributed to Spartans' recent success. Spartan Beach and Spartan Baseball Practice Facility are recent additions. The Spartans will also open next year their Spartan Athletics Center.
Coach Tina Estrada's career
Estrada is the interim head coaching of the San Jose State women’s football team. She was previously an Associate Head Coach and Spartans assistant for the past four years. Lauren Hanson left after eight seasons and she was resigned. Hanson had been the school's most successful coach.
Estrada was a stellar player at Santa Clara University. Estrada has been an assistant head coach and great assistant for many programs. Estrada is now one of the most promising young female head coaches in division 1 women's football. Estrada has a strong teaching ability, is extremely communicative, and has excellent leadership skills.
SJSU's mental health resources for student-athletes
SJSU student athletes have several mental health resources. Many resources are designed to address the athletes' individual needs. Support for Sport, for example, helps athletes to find mental health referrals. It also allows them to talk about their mental health with other teammates. LGBTQ+ support includes stories and perspectives of being gay or lesbian in sport. ULIFELINE offers college mental health resources. Counseling Services also offers a page that provides self-help for student athletes. Finally, Health and Wellness Education has a website that contains a wide variety of information on mental health topics.
SJSU's Counseling and Psychological Services provides quality services to students. This department examines individuals and provides tools and guidance that will help them be productive members of society. The third floor of Student Wellness Center houses the department, which offers counseling on a range of issues.