MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert A. Podeyn as the head coach for the college’s inaugural Women’s Soccer Team. With more than 30 years of experience in soccer as a player, coach, author and educator, Podeyn brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the sport to Northwestern Arizona.
Coach Podeyn is coming to MCC from Nicholls State University in Louisiana where he serves as head coach of the women’s soccer team. His coaching career spans various levels of college soccer, starting as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Central Florida and progressing to head coaching positions at NCAA Division II, NAIA, and other levels. His coaching experience includes working with renowned clubs such as AFC Ajax in Holland, Clube Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, and Fiorentina in Italy, which has equipped him with extensive recruiting networks both in the USA and abroad.
“I am thrilled to join MCC and help build and lead the region’s first women’s soccer program,” said Podeyn. “My goal is to build a comprehensive program that not only focuses on athletic development but also emphasizes academics, character and community engagement. I look forward to working with local youth soccer clubs and high schools to develop a strong foundation for the program.”
Podeyn’s coaching philosophy emphasizes building a positive team environment based on work ethic, commitment, dedication and loyalty. He has a proven track record of rebuilding and improving programs, with a strong emphasis on player retention, academic success, and community service.
“Rob embodies everything we sought for in our head women’s soccer coach. He is an elite recruiter, a fantastic leader and has a tremendous work ethic,” said Camilo Valencia, MCC director of soccer programs. “Coach Podeyn understands the incredible opportunity Mohave women’s soccer presents and we trust that his vision to build a culture of excellence will bring success to our program.”
The soccer program at Mohave Community College is the first bringing in collegiate players teams to represent northwestern Arizona at the NJCAA level. The team’s homefield will be Fiesta Bowl Field (also known as Firebird Field) at Rotary Park in Bullhead City, and the season begins in August 2024.
A women’s team ID camp, which is intended to identify future college players from 9th grade through current college seniors, is scheduled for March 9 at the Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse. Coach Podeyn will be there, and all athletes interested in signing up for the camp should visit MohaveSoccerCamps.com.
For more information about the Mohave Community College soccer programs email Soccer@Mohave.edu.
