EDMONTON, AB - A former champion Golden Bear, professional athlete and now respected soccer coach, Bruno Zebie was named the Interim Head Coach of the Pandas Soccer program for the 2026 season.

Born and raised in France, Zebie moved to Canada at the age of seven, playing soccer at various levels from youth in Edmonton, to competing with the Golden Bears, followed by a professional career in the Canadian Premier League. As a Golden Bear, he was twice named a Canada West All-Star, and helped guide the Bears to a 2016 U SPORTS Championship. 

"I'm looking forward to giving back to a program that has given me so much joy and excitement as a player, and coach over the better part of the last decade," said Zebie. "I hope that my drive and passion for the sport and University can translate into something positive for everyone involved this season." 

Following his graduation from the U of A, Zebie quickly moved into coaching youth soccer in Edmonton. He has over 13 total years of coaching experience, including eight years at Vimy Ridge Academy, the last two of which as the Director of Soccer. He is also the Technical Director of Juventus Soccer Club, and has been an assistant coach with the Golden Bears for the past four seasons.

"It was very important for us to provide strong leadership, coaching, and stability for the Pandas this season, and to get a coach in place quickly ahead of the busy summer months," said Director of Athletics, Leah Pezer. "With Bruno's experience as a student-athlete at the University of Alberta, along with his impressive resume coaching soccer in the Edmonton community, he was the ideal person to guide this team in the fall."

The process to hire a permanent head coach of the Pandas Soccer program will take place following the conclusion of the 2026 varsity season.