SPOKANE, Wash. – Gonzaga women's soccer head coach Katie Benz announced the hiring of Miguel Guante as an assistant coach.
 
"Firstly, I'd like to thank Mario Moccia, Braun Cartwright, Ed Posaski, and the entire NMSU administration for their support of the women's soccer program," Guante said. "A special thanks to Baarto, and all former and current players for an incredible six years in Las Cruces.
 
"Thank you to Katie Benz, Chris Standiford, Shannon Strahl, and the rest of the search committee for this opportunity at GU. Getting to learn the ambitions and vision of the program, and what makes GU a special place is an exciting challenge to be a part of. My wife, family, and I are excited to be back in the northwest, and I can't wait to get started with our student-athletes!"
 
Guante spent six seasons at New Mexico State under Head Coach Rob Baarts. The 2023 season was Guante's second full season as the Associate Head coach for the Aggies. In 2022, Guante helped lead the Aggies to their best season in program history with a 13-5-3 overall record – the most wins in program history – including an undefeated record at home (7-0-2), which culminated in the programs first conference championship after three shutout victories in the WAC Tournament.
 
"I am thrilled to announce that Miguel Guante has joined us," Benz said. "Miguel's passion for player development is evident in his past successes, and I am extremely confident that his commitment to nurturing talent aligns with our program's goals. His ability to create strong relationships both on and off the field will not only enhance the player-coach dynamic but also contribute to building upon the strong culture this team has already established."
 
In addition, Guante helped seven players secure All-WAC honors: Loma McNeese (first team), Makenna Gottschalk (second team), Landy Williams (second team), Xitlaly Hernandez (second team), Jena Johannes (freshman team), Sofia Beerworth (freshman team) and Sydnee Johnson (freshman team) all earned a spot on the WAC's yearly awards lists.
 
Five more players later secured WAC All-Tournament Team recognition after the team won it's first conference title since the program's inception in 2009. Loma McNeese, Sofia Beerworth, Xitlaly Hernandez, Tati Jerman and Makenna Gottschalk all earned All-Tourament recognition with Gottschalk taking home the Tournament MVP award.
 
In 2021, Guante helped the Aggies to a 9-11-0 record, nearly doubling their win total from the year prior. The Aggies made their second consecutive WAC tournament appearance but lost to Lamar 1-0 in the first round. Guante helped Hannah Leitner and Xitlaly Hernandez earn All-WAC Second-Team Honors while Mya Hammack and Thalia Chaverria earned Freshman All-WAC Honors.
 
The 2021 season got off to a hot start for the Aggies after the team won its first four games of the season. This was the best start of a season for the Aggies since 2017 when the Aggies opened that campaign 4-0-1.
 
During the 2018 season, Guante helped guide Aileen Galicia as she became the school's all-time leading goal scorer. Nine Aggies also earned Academic All-WAC Honors following the 2019 seasons.
 
Prior to NMSU, Guante spent the 2017 season at his alma mater, the University of Portland. Prior to his return to UP, the Fort Huachuca, Ariz., native served as the head coach for the Lincoln High School girls' varsity team from 2013-17 with stops at Valley Catholic High School and Central Catholic High School as well.
 
Guante played for Baarts during his time with the Pilots as an assistant (2002-05) and helped guide the team to the second round of the NCAA Playoffs three of his four years. The 5-9 midfielder was also a four-time All-West Coast Conference honoree while at UP and finished his career with six goals and six assists.
 
He was also a member of the Olympic Development Program Region IV Team (2000-02), Arizona ODP. During that same time span, Guante was a member of the U-18 National Team from 2001-02 after spending time with the U-17 National Team pool from 2000-01. He was the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year in 2001-2002.
 
He went on to play professionally in Major League Soccer (MLS) for FC Dallas, Miami FC and the Portland Timbers.
 
After his professional career, Guante served as the ECNL Assistant Director while coaching at FC Portland from (2003-17) where he helped development and coach one of the nation's top clubs for over a decade. During that span, Guante coached several players to NCAA Division I programs as well as the U.S. Youth National Team Camps.
 
Guante coached former and current GU players Meg Rapp, Taylor Kernion, Sophie Bruan, Maddie Kemp, and Chelsea Le. In addition to recent NWSL draft picks Sydney Collins and Katie Duong.
 
Guante and his wife Caitlin, have four children Lilia, Xavier, Lucas, and Mateo.