NWACC’s Athletic Department revealed new soccer coaches at a news conference on Monday (May 19). The two coaches identified were Nick Marquez as head women’s coach and Dean Johnson as head men’s coach. Their duties as coaches start in late July, and they will be working on building the new soccer program within the first year. NWACC’s first soccer season is set to begin in 2026.
The announcement about the new coaches was made in the north parking lot of the Center for Health Professions, a spot from which the planned track and soccer fields’ location — part of the Campus Master Plan — was visible. Local media representatives, college supporters, and NWACC faculty and staff attended. Soccer joins cross country, track and field, and e-sports among the college’s growing sports programs. Baseball and softball will be added in 2028 and 2029, respectively.
Brooke Brewer, Executive Director of Athletics and Institutional Branding at NWACC, stated at the press conference that in choosing two new coaches, the search committee was looking for some specific attributes, including the ability to build the soccer programs from the ground up. Over 100 applications were submitted between the two jobs. Marquez and Johnson were the successful candidates after initial applicant screening, virtual conversations, and face-to-face interviews.
Marquez is the head women’s soccer coach for NWACC. He is a lifelong coach and athlete. While he lived in Austin, Texas, he founded “FIERCE United,” an all-girls soccer club. The club started with only two players; since then, it has grown to include over 300 players and 20 teams. In introducing Marquez, Brewer stated that he brings more than 20 years of experience in coaching, leadership, and program building.
Johnson is the new head men’s soccer coach for NWACC. He is originally from London and played soccer as a pro in the English National League. He brings years of successful coaching experience spanning multiple academic and league levels. Brewer stated that Johnson has a reputation for being a transformative leader with a track record of advancing players to professional teams. When asked for his long-term vision for NWACC soccer, he said, “I want to provide a place for young athletes to come in and feel like they have a home here.”
Throughout the first year of their duties as new coaches, both stated that they would focus on building their soccer teams. “I’m looking for fierce women in this area. So be great in the classroom but also great on the field as well,” Marquez said. Johnson spoke about how he is looking for ambitious and hardworking athletes as he begins the process of establishing his team. Both Johnson and Marquez are experienced recruiters.
Brewer said that the growth of soccer at NWACC opens a floodgate of opportunities for the college and local community, now and in the future. NWACC students will be able to experience the program’s development this upcoming academic year as the coaches plan to scout and build NWACC’s soccer teams.
Both suggested that there are ways current NWACC students can be involved. “If there are any students or folks that are social media savvy that can help us out, or [help in] leading camps and clinics for recruiting kiddos, that would be great,” Marquez said. Johnson echoed that idea, stating, “Social media is a big thing nowadays, so embracing and helping us promote the program so people can find more information is helpful.”
