Ottumwa -- Indian Hills Community College stayed within the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference to find its new head men's soccer coach. IHCC announced today that Juan Espinal has been selected to replace Jon Fridal to lead the Warriors program. Espinal, a native of Muscatine, Iowa, has been a graduate assistant coach for the men's team at Iowa Lakes Community College and also coached youth teams in Spencer, Iowa.
Espinal's familiarity with the ICCAC also extends to the start of his college playing career when he played two seasons at Iowa Central CC.
He will take over an Indian Hills program that enjoyed remarkable success in two years with Fridal at the helm, rolling up a combined record of 29-10. The Warriors qualified for the NJCAA Division I National Tournament last fall when they finished 18-3 and scored a school-record 98 goals.
"I am delighted to accept the Indian Hills coaching position," said Espinal. "After playing in the conference, then transferring to continue my career as a student-athlete at Texas A&M International, an NCAA Division II school, it is an honor to coach in arguably the toughest conference in the nation at the NJCAA level and be a part of the Warrior family."
As a youth soccer player, Espinal was a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) and was a four-year varsity starter at Muscatine HS. He was a three-time all-conference performer and, after scoring 32 goals and adding 16 assists, was named first-team all-state as a senior.
Espinal was a starter for two years and a second-team all-region player as a sophomore at Iowa Central. He was a member of the soccer team at Texas A&M International, where he obtained his bachelor's degree. He has a master's degree from Fort Hays State University.
The new IHCC coach also played in the National Premiere Soccer League for teams in Springfield and the Quad Cities.
"I am very excited to be the head coach at Indian Hills," Espinal said, "and we will continue to set massive goals and look to reach the national tournament. The facilities are top notch and the staff and faculty are very welcoming. I want to thank Indian Hills for giving me this opportunity to be part of such a prestigious program. I am looking forward to the 2018 season."
Indian Hills Athletic Director Brett Monaghan is thrilled to add Espinal to the coaching ranks at IHCC, describing him as "an exceptional young coach." Monaghan said after an extensive search, Espinal rose to the top of the list during the interview process by showing his passion and energy for leading collegiate athletes on and off the field. "Juan's experience within the ICCAC as a coach and student-athlete will be key in continuing to lead our men's soccer program in the successful direction it is heading," said Monaghan. "I look forward to working with Juan and am glad to have him at IHCC."