Pitalo Steps Down, Navarro to Lead CSUB in Interim

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Cal State Bakersfield Athletics Department has announced that Whitney Pitalo, Head Coach of the Roadrunner women's soccer team, has stepped down from her post in order to pursue other opportunities. In the interim, Associate Head Coach Martin Navarro Jr. will be elevated to Interim Head Coach and lead the `Runners through the end of the calendar year.

"Coach Pitalo has made a lasting impact on our program and student-athletes, and we are grateful for her leadership and dedication," said Dr. Sarah Tuohy, CSUB's Acting Director of Athletics. "While we will miss her, we wish her continued success as she begins her next chapter."

Pitalo came to Bakersfield in February of 2025 and enjoy a strong season at the helm. Under her leadership, the CSUB's 2025 squad set multiple program Division I records, including fewest goals allowed in a season (19), most conference wins and points, and best goal differential (+7).

Navarro will take the reins of a `Runner program that has seen three head coaches over the last four seasons. In the midst of that frequent turnover, the one consistent figure has been Navarro. He joined the program in 2022 as a Graduate Assistant, was elevated to Assistant Coach in 2023, and was named Associate Head Coach following the end of the 2025 season this winter.

"Coach Navarro's continuity and commitment to our program make him a natural fit for this role," Tuohy continued. "His deep ties to Bakersfield and long-standing commitment to our program, having served on the past three staffs, make him uniquely prepared to lead. He understands our culture, our expectations, and most importantly, our student-athletes. We are in excellent hands moving forward."

In his four seasons with the program, Navarro has helped the `Runners reach new heights. Along with the records Pitalo's squad set this season, Navarro was instrumental in aiding the 2024 edition of the `Runners to reach the first Big West Championship match in CSUB Athletics history. Bakersfield has produced 17 All-Conference recognitions and 39 Academic All-Conference honorees during Navarro's tenure.

A Bakersfield native, Navarro will look to continue the recent success his predecessors began by guiding a talented squad of `Runners into the 2026 season this Fall. Stay tuned for more news from CSUB Women's Soccer both here at GoRunners.com as well as social media @CSUB_WSoccer.

~GoRunners.com~

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