Jane Alukonis appointed as women’s soccer head coach

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Former UCLA assistant coach Jane Alukonis has been named as women’s soccer head coach for the upcoming season, USC Athletic Director Mike Bohn announced in a media release Thursday. Replacing former head coach Keidane McAlpine following his eight years with the Trojans, Alukonis joins as  the team’s fifth head coach in 29 years.

After winning back-to-back Pac-12 titles with the Bruins and finishing undefeated in last season’s conference play, Alukonis aims to help the Trojans win the eventual season in a competitive conference. 

“As a talented athlete and coach, Jane brings a winning pedigree and the highest level of competitiveness to our program,” said  Bohn in the media release Thursday. “Her familiarity with both the Pac-12 Conference and the California recruiting landscape is a tremendous asset as we aim to return to the podium as national champions.” 

Hailing from Cocoa Beach, Fla., Alukonis’ experience and soccer expertise dates back to collegiate play. Playing as a defender/midfielder for Duke’s women’s soccer program, Alukonis started 76 of her 84 total matches from 2006-2009, finishing her last season as first-team captain and a four-time ACC Honor Roll nominee. 

Prior to joining UCLA’s program, Alukonis served as the head coach of the Space Coast United U-10, U-11 and U-16 girls club teams and earned an UEFA B Coaching License. 

During Alukonis’ UCLA’s coaching staff tenure last season, the Bruins reached an undefeated Pac-12 record of 8-0-3 that featured All-Pac-12 First-Team members then-junior forward Mia Fishel and then-freshman defender Lilly Reale. The two were among seven Bruins who received Pac-12 honors last season. 

“I am deeply grateful to USC Athletics for bringing me into the Trojan Family,” said Alukonis in a statement. “I have had the pleasure of watching USC soccer over the years and love how the players play the game — fearlessly, aggressively, and with never-ending fight. I can’t wait to be a part of this!” 

While in Westwood, the Bruins never finished lower than second in conference standings, making four straight NCAA postseason appearances between 2018 and 2021. 

Crowned Pac-12 champions after beating the Trojans at home in a 3-1 performance last season, the win eventually propelled UCLA to finish one point over second-place USC. 

Alukonis looks to continue McAlpine’s successful tenure and build on previous season to help the Trojans return to the top of the Pac-12 standings.