Ballard FC appoints Pedro Millan as new head coach

Local soccer club Ballard FC has appointed Pedro Millan as its new head coach to lead the team in its fifth season.

Millan is taking the helm after previous Ballard FC coach Mutanda Kwesele accepted the head coach position of U.S. Soccer Boys’ Under-15 and Under-16 National Teams.

Millan has 20 years of coaching and leadership experience. In his current role as director of coaching for the Pacific Northwest Soccer Club (PacNW), he oversees player development and works with teams spanning multiple age groups. Millan also had a stint as assistant coach for the University of Washington men’s soccer program.

“I’m most excited about the opportunity to coach players at the very top level, in an environment that allows the top players to manifest. We all want to win, but beyond winning, I want to do it with people I care about, playing in a way that makes sense, at a club that’s invested in its community,” Millan said in a statement about his new position.

Millan is taking over after a strong 2026 season, when Ballard FC made it to the Western Conference Finals. Ballard FC lost to Ventura County Fusion 2-1, but the season marked an impressive run: The team finished its season with a record of 14-2-1.

“Pedro represents everything we are looking for in a head coach,” Ballard FC co-founder and president Sam Zisette said. “He’s deeply passionate about soccer and about helping players become the best versions of themselves, and his record speaks for itself; many of the players he coached have gone on to do amazing things. Most important to me, though, is that his players love playing for him.

“He creates a competitive and joyful environment, and he genuinely cares about both his players and his coaches.”

Ballard FC 2027 season tickets are on sale now.

Photo: Ballard FC