Pali Blues Soccer Announces First Signing

The Pali Blues women's club soccer team has announced its first player signing of the 2012 season and, much to Coach Charlie Naimo's delight, she is someone he has wanted on his squad for several years.

Beth West, a Texas A&M University and Youth National Team standout, has been on Naimo's radar for awhile, but she was unable to join the Blues after sustaining season-ending injuries the previous two years at Texas A&M. Along with earning many top collegiate honors, the 5-foot-3 Aggies junior has also represented the United States on the U18 and U20 Youth National teams

“I am very excited about having Beth join us,” said Naimo, who led the Blues to back-to-back W-League titles in 2008-09 but stepped away last season in order to concentrate on the men's team's inaugural season in USL PRO. “I have been talking to her about coming out for a few years now, and it finally fits. She will bring so much with her versatility, but I am planning on having her pull the strings for us.”

A 2011 All-Conference first team selection and former Soccer Buzz Freshman All-American, West appeared in 22 games (starting 14) and had a Big-12 best 14 assists this past season. She ended the year ranked fourth in the nation in total assists and fifth in assists per game. She is relishing the opportunity to perform in Pacific Palisades, improve her game and prepare for her last season at A&M.

“Charlie is so dedicated to this program, and really knows how to get the girls fired up and excited to play,” West said. “I'm looking forward to working with a coach who is so knowledgeable and passionate about the game, and not to mention, has an outstanding track record.”

The Blues missed the W-League playoffs for the first time last season despite a 7-1-6 record. 

“It was really tough watching them play without being directly involved,” said Naimo, a New Jersey native. “It’s because of Pali that I first came to California, and their success means a lot to me. They had some really good players this past year and were very close to having a much more successful season. I want the girls who play for us to experience a truly professional environment. The coaching staff did a good job, but I’d like to smooth out the little details and hopefully push us over the edge again.”

Naimo was General Manager for the Los Angeles Sol in 2009, the year that franchise finished in first place in the Women's Professional Soccer regular season standings. The following year he served as Technical Adviser for the Chicago Red Stars. He is looking forward to the challenge of coaching both the men's and women's Blues squads with the help of longtime assistant Shayon Jalayer.

The 2012 W-League season kicks off in May and Pali Blues home games will be played at Stadium by the Sea.