Coach Steve Fennah Makes Oregon Soccer History

Steve Fennah became Oregon’s all-time winningest women’s soccer coach on October 6 with Jesuit’s 6-0 win over Mountainside. With his 325th victory, he surpassed Brian Gant, who coached Catlin Gabel from 1984-2004. 

Coach Fennah joined Jesuit High School in 1993to lead the brand-new women's soccer program in the school’s inaugural coeducational year. Comprised mostly of freshmen, the team won the Metro League title in its first year. Under Coach Fennah’s leadership, the Crusaders captured four straight state championships from 1994-1997, the beginning of a remarkable run of six consecutive titles that lasted through 1999. 

After coaching at Oregon State University for nine years (1998-2007), Coach Fennah returned to Jesuit in 2008 to teach and assist the men’s soccer program. In 2010, he once again took the helm of the women’s team, which celebrated its 10th state championship that same year. In addition to coaching, Steve has taught P.E. and the Recreational Sports elective at Jesuit for 23 years. 

Under Coach Fennah’s leadership, the Jesuit women’s soccer program has earned 16 Metro League titles and 11 state championships. They went on an extraordinary run from 2017 to 2019, going undefeated and allowing only one goal in the entire 2018 season. That year, the United Soccer Coaches named Fennah the National Coach of the Year.

Coach Fennah’s legacy includes the development of young women for others who excel both on and off the field. “Teams have become families who care for and love each other,” he said.

“Coach Fennah doesn’t just build championship players and teams. He shapes his athletes to lead, serve, and inspire long after the final whistle,” said Jesuit Athletic Director Colin Griffin ‘00.

Congratulations to Coach Fennah on this historic accomplishment! Jesuit is incredibly grateful for his unwavering dedication to our mission of forming women and men for others for more than two decades.

Go Crusaders!