Luis Cardona Jr. Announced as Southwestern College’s New Head Men's Soccer Coach

After a thorough regional search, Dean of the School of Wellness, Exercise Science & Athletics, Tom Gang and Ron Valenzuela, Director of Athletics have announced that Luis Cardona Jr. will become the fifth Head Men's Soccer Coach at Southwestern College. 

"With the historical success of our men's soccer program and the bevy of soccer talent in the South Bay, this a golden opportunity to re-establish a foothold in a city that has seen its soccer talent blossom", said Valenzuela. 

"We are pleased to name Luis Cardona as our next men's soccer head coach.  Luis is positioned to lead our program back to form.  Cardona's nine-year career as a professional soccer player includes playing for CFZ do Rio and Avaí FC (Brazil), C.D. Barrio México (Costa Rica), York Region Shooters (Canada), Cesena FC (Italy), Burlingame Soccer Club, Shooters Soccer Club, and Albion Pros (United States).  Cardona's coaching resume includes the Del Mar Sharks, Cúcuta Deportivo Fútbol Club S. A (Colombia) and currently with Rebels Soccer Club coaching at Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).  His experience as a player and coach, coupled with his passion, work ethic, and love for soccer, tactical acumen and deep understanding of the game, access and ability to effectively recruit the San Diego/Tijuana region, and his commitment to excellence all make him the right candidate.  We are excited for our men's soccer student-athletes to have the opportunity to learn and excel under Luis's leadership and guidance.  We look forward to a new era of Jag soccer and supporting him in every way."

Luis holds a CONMEBOL Soccer Coaching A License and is on track to earn the CONMEBOL A Pro License.

"Thank you so much for the incredible opportunity to lead the men's soccer program. I am honored and excited to be named the next head coach at Southwestern College.

I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence that Tom Gang and Ron Valenzuela have placed in me. My journey as a professional soccer player and coach has been driven by a passion for the game, an expectation and standard of performance and a desire to inspire and develop young athletes. I am thrilled to begin this new role and to work with the student-athletes at Southwestern College.

I am particularly excited about the potential to recruit and develop talent from the San Diego-Tijuana region, one of the world's largest binational metropolitan areas with a deeply ingrained soccer culture that is full of promising players. I am committed to building a program that not only achieves success on the field but also fosters personal growth, teamwork, and academic excellence.

I look forward to collaborating with the entire athletic department, the campus community, and our supporters to usher in a new era of soccer. Together, we will strive to reach new heights and create lasting memories for our players and fans.

Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. I am eager to get started and build on the past success and legacy of our men's soccer program". 

With excitement and gratitude,

Luis Cardona. Jr.