EL PASO, Texas (April 23, 2024) – El Paso Locomotive FC has announced Gibbs Keeton as the first-ever Director of Girls Soccer, a transformative role that will see him lead Locomotive’s efforts to grow and strengthen girls soccer throughout the Borderplex.
Keeton, the Head Coach for UTEP Women’s Soccer since 2023, will simultaneously work with UTEP and Locomotive to strategize and implement programs that will serve to enhance and increase the girls soccer presence in El Paso.
“El Paso Locomotive FC is a catalyst for soccer in the El Paso community and the decision to join them was easy as they have shown a dedication invest and contribute to El Paso in more ways than just soccer,” Keeton said. “Locomotive are a strong, well-run and structured club, and it is my goal to work with them to develop a similar environment for the next generation of women’s and girls’ soccer players in El Paso. Additionally, Locomotive’s connection to UTEP and other community service projects is something our staff wants to be a part of, and we look forward to expanding and growing our soccer partnership.”
An El Paso native and Montwood High School graduate, Keeton has 15 years of experience in coaching at both the local club and collegiate level. Prior to UTEP – where he coached several Miners to Conference USA All-Conference Honors as well as All-Academic First and Second Teams –, Keeton was a member of the Texas Tech Women’s Soccer program. He had been a member of the Red Raiders staff since 2009 and worked his way up to becoming the Associate Head Coach in 2018, playing a critical role in transforming the Raiders into a perennial NCAA Tournament contender that made seven appearances between 2012 and 2019.
During his time in Lubbock, the El Paso native also played a major role unifying several local soccer organizations into one super club known as FC Dallas West Texas, which had affiliation with Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas, and served as the club’s Director of Coaching.