(March 14, 2025) Marysville, Calif. – Growing up, Pete Afato couldn’t wait to leave Yuba City and see the world beyond California. His soccer skills took him on an unforgettable journey across the country, but it was only when he was far from home that he truly developed a deep sense of pride in his roots.
Afato’s love for soccer eventually brought him back to Yuba City, where he invests in the local soccer community. On March 13, with the approval of the Yuba Community College District Board, Afato was appointed as the head women’s soccer coach for the 49ers.
“I take it with a lot of pride and honor and humility,” Afato said. “I get to give back to a place that gave me something.”
Afato is known not just for revitalizing programs but also for creating opportunities from scratch, such as starting the Yuba Football Club. As an assistant coach for Yuba College last year, he focused on recruiting. When the head coach position opened up, he saw it as a challenge he was eager to take on.
“He’s motivated to be successful, win and bring in players,” Yuba College Athletic Director Erick Burns said. “He’s pretty well connected to the youth soccer in our area for girls and boys. I think that could be very helpful to him in utilizing the relationships he established in this community.”
Being at Yuba College is a homecoming for Afato. A multi-sport athlete at Yuba City High School, he broke his ankle during his senior season. Despite receiving offers from colleges in the Midwest, Afato enrolled at Yuba College, where he was captain during his sophomore season.
“Yuba [College] got my playing career back on track,” Afato said. “I know how important junior colleges can be to athletes who want to play at the next level who may not have the resources.”
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His performance for the 49ers earned him a spot in a showcase game in Los Angeles, Calif., which led to an offer from Sierra Nevada College, followed by a transfer to Florida Memorial University (FMU).
Afato was three games into his season at FMU when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and he returned to the West Coast.
As Afato’s dream of turning professional evolved, he focused more on coaching. Through his experience, he’s learned how to teach the same concepts to players of all ages from seven-year-olds to 30-year-olds.
Afato is not one to wait for opportunities to come to him. The ambitious 26-year-old sought coaching positions at local high schools, offered personal training and founded the Yuba Football Club with the goal to connect local people with the game and create a strong soccer community in Yuba City.
“My goal is to provide as many opportunities as I can for these women to play at the next level,” he said. “I want to be someone that brings hope and shows them I did it, now it’s your turn to do it.”
While Afato is determined to win, he believes his primary role is to develop athletes who are ready to play at the next level. He’s confident that with high standards and a strong work ethic, success will come.
“With the right kind of culture, winning follows,” he said.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren McDermott
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About Yuba College:
Founded in 1927, Yuba College is committed to providing equitable student learning and success in the Yuba-Sutter region. We offer more than 67 degree and certificate programs that lead to career and transfer opportunities, serving our diverse communities with innovative and student-centered educational opportunities. Our vision is to empower students to become transformative and productive members of our communities. Yuba College has been recognized for its high transfer rates to UCs and CSUs and for providing highly relevant career and technical education, including top-tier programs in Health and Medical Careers, Public Safety, Applied Technology and beyond. For more information, visit https://yc.yccd.edu/.