Coaching Carousel

[Ron Boerger]

Ethan Higgins Hired as Rockford University's Head Men's Soccer Coach

ROCKFORD, Ill. - Rockford University is pleased to announce the hiring of Ethan Higgins as its next head men's soccer coach. Higgins joins the Regents with coaching experience at the NCAA Division III, club and high school levels.

"I am excited to have Ethan on campus and as a member of our department," Director of Athletics Jessica Stanek stated. "His previous D3 coaching and playing experience make him the right fit for this position. His energy, passion and knowledge will be an asset to the men's soccer program, the athletic department and across campus."

"I am delighted to be named the head men's soccer coach at Rockford University," Coach Higgins remarked. "I am very grateful for this opportunity, and would like to thank Jessica Stanek and everyone involved in the hiring process for entrusting me to lead the program forward. Having been a part of multiple winning programs and having a network of experienced mentors gives me the knowledge and confidence that we can take the RU men's soccer program to new heights in the future."

Higgins spent two seasons as a goalkeeper coach at Penn State Harrisburg prior to coming to Rockford. The Lions went a combined 22-9-10, including a 9-1-4 mark in the United East Conference over those two years. Penn State Harrisburg qualified for the United East Conference Tournament twice and advanced to the semifinals, where the Lions fell to the eventual champion each year. Higgins was heavily involved in all facets of the program including: recruiting, training and film sessions, pregame planning, scouting and film breakdown. However, his primary focus was with the goalkeepers, who were selected Second Team All-Conference each year.

Coach Higgins also spent time as an assistant at Millikin University and at both the club and high school levels in Pennsylvania. While at Millikin, Higgins assisted the head coach in running the men's soccer program. Some of his duties included recruiting, creating and implementing team training sessions, running pregame warm-ups, holding player meetings and gameday planning.

Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Higgins played collegiate soccer at Elizabethtown College for three seasons, with his fourth being canceled because of covid. The Blue Jays compiled a 28-18-9 overall record, including an 11-5-5 mark in the Landmark Conference with him on the squad. They qualified for the Landmark Conference Tournament all three years and advanced to the conference tournament championship match twice (2019 and 2022).

Higgins earned his bachelor's degree in Health Science from Elizabethtown College.

[Kuiper]

Manchester hires Olaoluwade Ladapo as Men's Soccer Head Coach

Manchester University Men's Soccer names Olaoluwade "Ola" Ladapo as new head coach.

A proud Manchester alum, Ladapo returns to campus after serving as head coach and physical education teacher at Ben Davis High School. In just two seasons, he led the Giants to their first-ever county championship and sectional title. Under his leadership, six student-athletes earned all-academic honors, and ten went on to compete at the collegiate level.

In addition to his coaching success, Ola is the Director of Operations and Head Trainer at TLP Fitness LLC. Following a standout playing career here at Manchester, he went on to play professionally as a midfielder for FC Reno in the Jamaican National Premier League from 2018–2021.

Coach Ladapo brings a passion for the game and a proven ability to develop team cultures built on high standards and personal growth.

[SierraFD3soccer]

Manchester hires Olaoluwade Ladapo as Men's Soccer Head Coach

Manchester University Men's Soccer names Olaoluwade "Ola" Ladapo as new head coach.

So, if you follow this team, are you a Man U fan??

[Kuiper]

This is really late for University of Dallas to lose its head coach, especially for a school that only had a grad asst, and not a full-time assistant coach, in recent years.  Maybe last year's grad asst Chase Reynolds will step up, but if not, they will have to hire an interim pretty quickly and from outside the program.

University of Dallas Men's Soccer Head Coach David Hoffman Departs after 22 Seasons

University of Dallas Director of Athletics Jarred Samples announced that longtime men's soccer coach,  David Hoffmann, has accepted a new position outside of collegiate sports, marking the end of an era as the university's winningest coach.

 "We are deeply grateful to Coach David Hoffmann for his more than 20 years of dedicated service to the University of Dallas," said Samples. "His impact on countless soccer players has been immeasurable, shaping not only athletes but young men of character. David has been the consummate professional and a steadfast representative of UDallas Athletics and the University as a whole. We wish him all the best in his next chapter and thank him sincerely for the legacy he leaves behind."

Hoffmann was named head coach of the University of Dallas men's soccer program in 2003 and recently completed his 22nd season at the helm. Over two decades, Hoffmann led the Crusaders to a 161-145-21 record, making him the winningest coach across all sports in university history. Including his previous collegiate head- coaching experience, he has surpassed 200 career victories.
Hoffmann guided the Crusaders to some of their most successful campaigns, NSCAA and/or NCAA Regional or Nationally ranked in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013,2016, 2017, 2018. highlighted by a 2007 Association of Division III Independents (AD3I) championship during a 17-1-1 season — the best winning percentage in program history (.921). The AD3I National Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2008. In 2008, the team captured the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) title and earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance. The program reached conference finals again in 2009 and 2017, with Hoffmann earning SCAC Coach of the Year honors in 2017. He has notched 20 total All-Americans for the Crusaders as well.

Hoffmann's squads hold school records for wins in a season (17), consecutive home matches without a loss (33 from 2005-2008), most goals in a season (84), and most shutouts in a season (10). His players have garnered a wide array of accolades, including NCAA All-Region, CoSIDA Academic All-American, and All-Conference honors across multiple leagues. Several have gone on to play professionally, with one representing his national team in the Euros and UEFA Champions League.

As I suspected, University of Dallas promoted Chase Reynolds from Graduate Assistant to Head Coach.  Frankly, I'm not sure they had many other options, but Reynolds was only just hired as grad assistant in advance of the 25-26 season (I mistakenly thought he was a grad assistant in 2024, but that wasn't the case).  So, this is a case where a guy interviewed as a graduate assistant and was promoted to head coach before the season began.  Talk about a rapid rise to the top!

Chase Reynolds named Interim Head Men's Soccer Coach at University of Dallas

A familiar face returns to the Crusader sidelines as Chase Reynolds has been named interim head coach for the University of Dallas men's soccer program.

The Southlake, TX native enjoyed a decorated five-season playing career for the Crusaders from 2017 to 2021, taking advantage of the additional year granted due to COVID-19.

During his time in blue and white, Reynolds helped lead UDallas to three SCAC Tournament appearances, including the 2017 squad that reached the SCAC Finals. A three-time Team MVP and four-time All-SCAC selection, he ranks in the program's Top 5 all-time in assists, Top 10 in goals scored, and Top 3 in games played with 75 starts in as many matches.

After earning both his B.A. in Business (2021) and MBA (2023) from UD, Reynolds served as a volunteer assistant at Concordia University during its inaugural SCAC season, helping guide the Tornados to a 9-5-4 record and finishing just one point shy of a playoff berth. Concordia's attack ranked third in the conference in goals scored, with six players earning All-Conference honors and 20 recognized on the SCAC Academic Honor Roll.

Beyond coaching, Reynolds competed in the National Premier Soccer League with the Denton Diablos during their inaugural 2018 season, reaching the Lone Star Conference semifinals. A proud UD alumnus, he also studied abroad in Rome in 2019 and married his wife, Nadia who he met during his time as a Crusader in 2024.

[southernsoccercoach]

Hendrix Men's Soccer now has an interim head coach after just hiring David Castillo in the spring:

https://hendrixwarriors.com/sports/mens-soccer/coaches

[VASoccerDad]

Hendrix Men's Soccer now has an interim head coach after just hiring David Castillo in the spring:

https://hendrixwarriors.com/sports/mens-soccer/coaches

And Hendrix hosts Emory this weekend, tough turnaround for them.

[jknezek]

So he's the interim head coach of the men's team and the long-time head coach of the women's team? That seems less than ideal. What happened to Castillo?

[Ron Boerger]

So he's the interim head coach of the men's team and the long-time head coach of the women's team? That seems less than ideal. What happened to Castillo?

I hunted high and low and couldn't find anything.  His socials haven't been updated (heck, his LinkedIn and Xitter still say he's at his previous job), no news articles, nothing.  Castillo was featured just a few weeks ago in the SCAC Media Days for Hendrix MS.

[FBALLISLIFE]

Is it too early to question where Shabazz will be next year?

[SierraFD3soccer]

Is it too early to question where Shabazz will be next year?

Yeah, I definitely think so. IMO, W&L went yearssssss, and I mean years with a coach who did not win much. I would say semi competitive with the 38 years he was coach. W&L was not a power till Mike Singleton arrived.

IMO, W&L in sports wants to do alright, but are not driven to succeed like under Singleton. So no pressure. I am also thinking Shabazz has a 3 to 4 year contract. Additionally, things will definitely be revealed in year 3 when most of the recruits were generated by Shabazz and his staff.

Of course, Shabazz could move on himself to another program to earn more money and have a better soccer life. Problem with W&L is that Lexington is pretty isolated geographically and not a whole lot of extra soccer earning potential like other coaches might have being near a more urban/suburban area.  FYI, I think that was one the big issues Singleton had raising his family in Lex Vegas.

Further, it early and once they hit conf. play, things can definitely turn around. Not many great teams in ODAC.

[Hillcountryview]

Is it too early to question where Shabazz will be next year?

Is there talk that this might be a possibility?

[jknezek]

Is it too early to question where Shabazz will be next year?

Is there talk that this might be a possibility?

Very much doubt it. W&L has never required coaches to be national contenders. If Shabazz recruits and graduates players and is competing in the ODAC, he will be fine.

[SierraFD3soccer]

Is it too early to question where Shabazz will be next year?

Is there talk that this might be a possibility?

Very much doubt it. W&L has never required coaches to be national contenders. If Shabazz recruits and graduates players and is competing in the ODAC, he will be fine.

Yup, absolutely agree. W&L will always have a full roster of paying players which, imo, is the purpose of the team. Any success is cherry on the top.

From a recent NY Times article, near the end - Experts say universities not only shape their classes with early decision but also benefit financially. By locking in students early, they stabilize enrollment and secure tuition dollars, often before students have the chance to compare financial aid offers from other schools. Critics have long argued that the system favors wealthier applicants and deepens inequality in the college admissions process.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/26/business/tulane-early-decision-colorado-academy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.wU8.oKdL.aHJA7xCVra6C&smid=url-share&fbclid=IwY2xjawNseN9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLaXNOOG5RNGJIZGxDZ0NRAR4UP_7hRB_OVTX8yDfizxc0L8yI6TtuN9YQy8AlDnq-yXPeFmqvA0D-V_2UqA_aem_975uaDlu5P-lWcMKY66dew

It happen to us.

As to soccer kids, almost all parents have spent so much money getting them to a level where schools like W&L to accept them and play soccer. We all know W&L players have parents who paid for them to play. So either well off or just below. Therefore and again imo, the soccer team is a scheme to get paying (most if not all) tuition kids.

So Shabazz has nothing to worry about as long as he carries a full roster.

[Hillcountryview]

Is it too early to question where Shabazz will be next year?

Is there talk that this might be a possibility?

Very much doubt it. W&L has never required coaches to be national contenders. If Shabazz recruits and graduates players and is competing in the ODAC, he will be fine.

Yup, absolutely agree. W&L will always have a full roster of paying players which, imo, is the purpose of the team. Any success is cherry on the top.

From a recent NY Times article, near the end - Experts say universities not only shape their classes with early decision but also benefit financially. By locking in students early, they stabilize enrollment and secure tuition dollars, often before students have the chance to compare financial aid offers from other schools. Critics have long argued that the system favors wealthier applicants and deepens inequality in the college admissions process.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/26/business/tulane-early-decision-colorado-academy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.wU8.oKdL.aHJA7xCVra6C&smid=url-share&fbclid=IwY2xjawNseN9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLaXNOOG5RNGJIZGxDZ0NRAR4UP_7hRB_OVTX8yDfizxc0L8yI6TtuN9YQy8AlDnq-yXPeFmqvA0D-V_2UqA_aem_975uaDlu5P-lWcMKY66dew

It happen to us.

As to soccer kids, almost all parents have spent so much money getting them to a level where schools like W&L to accept them and play soccer. We all know W&L players have parents who paid for them to play. So either well off or just below. Therefore and again imo, the soccer team is a scheme to get paying (most if not all) tuition kids.

So Shabazz has nothing to worry about as long as he carries a full roster.

This is an interesting perspective I'd never thought about. I assume your referring to parents who have paid for years of training, playing, and traveling leading up to college?

It definitely does lock players in early before they can compare financial aid packages- and leaving most parents hoping they'll get something. Granted, your player may receive aid, but the player is long committed before you know the amount.

What strikes me most is the significant variation between top academic D3 schools in how they determine "need." Some institutions provide full aid for families earning up to $150-160k annually, while others set thresholds around $75-80k. The system definitely favors families who are either knowledgeable enough to use EFC calculators proactively or wealthy enough that the variation doesn't matter. Having helped friends navigate college searches for non-athletes, the differences in institutional aid policies can be genuinely shocking when you dig into the data. Covid definitely set the stage for ED and EA.

It'll be interesting to see how things play out for Shabazz. He is definitely not Singleton and the environment is very different.

As we head toward tournament season, I'm excited to see so many new programs rising in the rankings and coaches making measurable differences- quickly. Players are now considering schools they wouldn't have looked at even 2-3 years ago. Hopefully this momentum continues and influences how college administrators, athletic directors, consider the role having a competitive program plays in applications. Small academic schools have a high percentage of student/athletes- and those grades give them a lot of choices!

[SierraFD3soccer]

Personally, I don't think Shabazz has to worry about anything. As long as he fills recruiting classes, he'll be fine. They really don't have to play beyond year one as their parents are most likely paying a very good part of their college cost. Many of the parents have already sunk in so much money for their kids' club teams. For a kid to comfortably go to W&L (assuming they don't have siblings)- parents have to be very rich, come from a less prosperous state or have parents who may be struggling. 

We fell into the solid middle class with three possible college kids while living in an expensive area. Therefore, not be able qualify for W&L's fin aid after our oldest got in early decision. If we lived in a state like Montana or Iowa and did the same things we do in Maryland, we would have easily qualified for fin. aid. We could have stretched to send him for a year or so, but would have ended up with about $200k or more in debt. We should have said no as to early decision, but the coach was focusing on early decision and was pretty insistent. He could have gotten in regular easily (great grades and scores exceeding W&L's median) as well as several other schools and then got to compare fin. aid packages. Our mistake, listening to the coach.