Courtesy of Northern Michigan Athletics Sports Information Department
MARQUETTE, Mich. - Northern Michigan University Athletics has named Jon Sandoval as the Head Women's Soccer Coach. Sandoval will begin his tenure after serving as the men's assistant coach since July 2018.
"I want to thank the search committee, Director of Athletics Forrest Karr and President Fritz Erickson for this opportunity," Sandoval said. "It's an honor and privilege to be named the sixth head coach in Wildcat women's soccer history. I'm excited to be a part of the Marquette community, which has fully embraced Nichole and I since our arrival in 2018. I wish Coach Poggi and the entire men's soccer team the absolute best moving forward. I can't wait to share my passion for the game and be a mentor for this group of women."
Over the past two seasons with the Wildcat men's program, Sandoval was an integral part of the young team's development. This past season he helped coach the Wildcat men to their highest victory total in a single season, eight, including seven conference wins and saw freshman Ryan Palmbaum earn Rookie of the Year honors from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
"Jon is a genuine, thoughtful and organized person and his many qualities showed throughout the search process," said Northern Michigan director of athletics Forrest Karr. "Jon prioritizes academics and helping student-athletes perform to their highest level. We have been fortunate to witness his exceptional work ethic and positive influence on others over the last two seasons. Jon has the right plan to move our women's soccer program forward."
Prior to NMU, he served as an assistant coach at St. Ambrose University where he helped guide the Fighting Bees to a berth in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference semifinals (2016). He was also the Head Boys Soccer Coach at Davenport West High School in Davenport, Iowa. There he led the team to their first high school tournament win as well as winning the NS Tournament Invite title, a first for West High.
A 2012 graduate of Western Illinois University, Sandoval spent three seasons on staff at his alma mater as both an assistant coach and director of operations. As a student-athlete for four years with the Fighting Leathernecks, he helped guide Western Illinois to the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Serving as team captain in his senior season, Sandoval led the team in points and was also the recipient of an award given annually to the player who exhibits strong work ethic and character.
Following graduation he also spent four years in the NPSL with the Quad City Eagles.
Sandoval earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2012 before attaining two master's degrees from Western Illinois University (M.A.) and St. Ambrose University (M.B.A.).
What They're Saying…
"Jon has gathered a wealth of experience in his coaching career, his energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism have positively impacted all of the programs he has worked with, none more than here at St. Ambrose University. Jon is well prepared for this opportunity and will be a wonderful addition to the Women's program there at NMU." - Jon Mannall, Head Women's Soccer Coach, St. Ambrose University
"Northern Michigan's women's soccer program is in good hands. Jon is motivated, hard working and has all the tools to immediately impact the program. I am looking forward to hearing about his first collegiate win as a head coach and the start to a successful career as Northern's head coach." - Dr. Eric Johnson, Director of Soccer, Western Illinois University
"I'm very happy for Jon. This is a great opportunity for him to return to coaching in the women's game. I look forward to continuing to work with Jon and believe he will do a fantastic job as the new Head Coach." - David Poggi, Head Men's Soccer Coach, Northern Michigan University
