Western Nevada College
Western Nevada College is kicking it up a notch to expand campus activities by introducing club soccer teams to the college beginning in Fall 2016, officials announced Thursday.
The program will be directed by the Associated Students of Western Nevada, with support from Student Life, and will be open to all students. Both men’s and women’s teams are envisioned. WNC hopes to field soccer teams at several levels of play: Recreational, Competitive and Premier, if interest is strong enough.
“The clubs will enable the college to expand student life activities, and better serve diverse and underserved populations in our communities,” said Lilly Leon-Vicks, WNC Coordinator of Student Life.
Ian Hill, who has successfully overseen a similar program at Lake Tahoe Community College, will be the head coach and will oversee the program.
“I am honored to help create this program at WNC,” Hill said. “Anyone with a desire to play can be part of a team. We are going to provide all students with the opportunity to play the game, while using the game to enhance their education and campus experience.”
“ASWN is thrilled to partner with Coach Hill in providing an athletics program for many WNC students,” Leon-Vicks said. “Student Life can serve as a vital tool for student persistence.”
Hill said WNC’s Premier and Competitive teams could compete in the West Coast Soccer Association, which is made up of university and college club teams such as UNR, Sacramento State, UC Davis, Stanford and Cal-Berkeley.
Club sports at WNC will function like any other student club, operating without direct institutional support.
Three players already intend to play soccer for WNC in the fall, including:
Abel Sanchez-18 year old, Carson High School, 5′ 7″ Striker
Hero of the Carson High School State Championship run, scoring 4 goals in the last three games, including the Golden Ball in overtime to win the State Championship game. His high work rate, on the field leadership and dynamic scoring abilty make him a perfect fit for WNC and he is sure to have great success.
Salvador Rodriguez-18 year old, Carson High School 6′ 0″ Center Back.
A strong member of Carson High Schools run to the State Championship, and an outstanding defender, Salvador will be a great asset to the WNC team. In addition to helping win the State Championship, he also represented the USA in Canada last summer in a series of All-Star games during the Women’s World Cup.
Christopher (Hugo) Garcia-19 year old, Lake Tahoe Community College and North Valleys HS
A college transfer that was a part of the League Champion, Final Four finishing Lake Tahoe CC team last season. A versatile player that can play both in the mid field and defense, Hugo also helped led North Valleys High School in Reno to the State semi finals his Senior year in High School.
