Yavapai College Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Andre Luciano to become the new head coach of the men’s soccer program.
Luciano is an alumnus of Yavapai College, class of 1991. He was an athlete on the Men’s Soccer team from 1989 - 91 and was a member of NJCAA National Championship team of 1990 being named ISAA/Adidas Goalkeeper of the Year and the NJCAA Tournament Most Valuable Goalkeeper. Andre took his services to NCAA powerhouse Indiana University where he earned the distinction of one of the top goalkeepers in the country leading his team to two Big Ten titles and two trips to the NCAA National Tournament.
Following graduation, Luciano spent two seasons as an assistant for the University of Arizona soccer program. Luciano joined the Wildcats’ staff in 1999. In 2000, he served as recruiting coordinator for a rebuilding Arizona team. Andre has also worked with Washington, Arizona and Nevada Olympic Development Programs (ODP), and was an assistant coach for the Utah State women’s program in 1998. In March 2001 Andre became the Head Women's Coach at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. In his 18 years at NAU he had great success with three NCAA Division I Tournament Appearances, three Big Sky Tournament Championships and success in academics, fundraising and community support.
“It has been a dream of mine for 30 years to return to a place that I have called home and spoken so fondly of throughout my career as a player and coach,” said Luciano. “I owe [former Yavapai College Men’s Soccer Head Coach] Mike Pantalione an incredible amount of gratitude for believing in me as a 19-year-old from Las Vegas and changing my life by creating a program that has been synonymous with success in the classroom and on the field. I also would like to thank Athletic Director Brad Clifford for entrusting me with the responsibility of not only being the coach but a mentor for the young men that wear the uniform for Yavapai College Soccer.”
"It is a great day for Yavapai College Athletics with the hiring of Andre Luciano," said Athletic Director Brad Clifford. "He has big shoes to fill but is equal to the task. Andre brings years of experience and a knowledge of the ACCAC and Yavapai College. Super excited to have him on board.”
The Roughriders will begin play under Luciano this Spring for delayed season with the Covid 19 pandemic. The first game for the Roughriders will be Thursday, April 1 against the College of Southern Nevada. For Covid policies regarding this spring and full schedule of streaming links available, please visit
www.goroughriders.com.
