UC Davis women’s soccer head coach Tracy Joyner announced the addition of Janae Braun (formerly Janae Gonzalez) to her coaching staff as a full-time assistant coach, ahead of the 2024 season.
The 2024 season will be Braun's first season as a full-time staff member on Joyner's staff, promoting from volunteer status where she got started with the Aggies in 2023.
Braun graduated from UC Davis in 2019 and in 2023 she first retuned to Davis as a volunteer assistant.
"Janae is the perfect addition to our staff," Joyner said. "I'm excited to see a former Aggie step into this role and own it. She's a remarkable person—ambitious, kind, competitive, smart, collaborative, and a team player. She has had success as an ECNL-level club coach and will no doubt bring that knowledge and passion to our team here."
Braun made an immediate impact in her first season on staff, playing an integral part in UC Davis finishing second in the Big West for a second consecutive season. In one of the most historic seasons in program history, Braun played a key role in the development of UC Davis' five All-Big West selections, including Leslie Fregoso, who became UC Davis' first-ever player to receive a Big West end-of-year honor.
In Braun's first year on staff, the Aggies also ranked first in the Big West in goal differential, achieving this for the first time in program history.
"I am so proud to be an alumna of this program and could not be more honored for the opportunity to return as part of the staff," Braun said. "It is exciting to work with elite athletes every day and provide support as they work to accomplish their goals. It is so motivating to work with a head coach who leads with passion and empathy. I can't wait for the fall season to be here."
A native of Folsom, Calif., Braun was a standout for two seasons with the Aggies. A two-time Big West All-Academic selection, she earned All-Big West First Team honors during her senior year after leading all Aggies in points (13), shots (34), and goals (6). She was also tied for No. 1 in the nation in penalty kick percentage, converting all four of her opportunities.
Before her decorated career as an Aggie, Braun made a name for herself on the international stage as a member of the U17 Mexican Women's National Team. She helped the program clinch the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) crown in Jamaica for the first time in 2013, leading the team in goals (three) and assists (four) as a junior in high school.
Braun also represented Mexico in the 2014 U17 Women's World Cup, where she was the team's leading scorer, netting goals in wins over Colombia and China during the group stage. Her goal against Colombia that put Mexico up, 3-0, was selected as the best goal of the U17 Women's World Cup by a public vote on FIFA.com.
Her international playing experience continued after graduating from UC Davis, where she signed a professional contract with Club América Femenil, an organization that competes in Liga BBVA MX Femenil, the highest division of women's soccer in Mexico. She also had a stint playing for Mazatlán F.C.
Following her pro career in Mexico, Braun has continued to have a successful career for the California Storm of the Women's Professional Soccer League, where she has been a vital piece, serving as a co-captain. Her highlights include helping the Storm secure the WPSL's Jerry Zanelli Cup in 2022 and the WPSL PAC North Championship in 2023, a year in which she also was named MVP.
"Her professional and international playing experience is paramount," Joyner added. "She's a role model for our team and someone I know will push us as our program continues to ascend."
In addition to her wealth of playing experience, Braun has been a proactive coach and volunteer within the community.
Braun also serves as a head coach for multiple Elite Clubs National League teams with Davis Legacy Soccer Club and as a coach for NorCal PDP, a program that identifies, develops, and showcases the top motivated and talented players in Northern California.
Braun graduated from UC Davis, with a Bachelor of Arts in communication. She later earned a Master of Communication Management from USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She is married to Noah Braun and is the proud sister of Cristian, Kiana, and Makai Gonzalez.
