Thursday, December 13, 2018
by Northwest Nazarene Athletic Communications

NAMPA, Idaho – After three seasons at the helm of the Northwest Nazarene men’s soccer program, Joel DeLass is going pro.

DeLass announced his resignation Wednesday after he accepted a job as an assistant coach with the Lansing Ignite, who play in the USL League One.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” he said. “A chance to jump to the pro game and do it in my home state is really exciting.

“It is tough to leave. I really appreciate Kelli (Lindley) and the opportunity I have had at NNU. It is hard to leave the guys, especially with the group we have right now.”

DeLass was the fifth coach for the program that began in 1978.

“Joel will be missed by all those associated with NNU men’s soccer,” NNU athletic director Kelli Lindley said. “He clearly cared deeply about the success of his student-athletes on and off the field. He also played a significant role in the creation of a proposal that allowed NNU to install a new synthetic turf field.

“His hard work and forward-thinking has left NNU men’s soccer in an excellent position as he moves on.”

DeLass grew up in Michigan and returns to help launch the new club in a league he played in for five years.

“When I was playing, I wanted them to start a club in Michigan with the hope I could be involved in it,” he said. “When this opportunity arose, I couldn’t pass it up. I’m excited to help grow the game in my home state.”

The Nighthawks are coming off a 3-14-1 season. DeLass finishes with an 21-25-9 overall record, including 14-16-6 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference action.

“We had a tough year this year, but we were young,” he said. “It is a group that I think the next coach will be stepping into a really good situation.”

The Nighthawks will begin a search for a new coach immediately. Julio Castillo will serve as an interim until a new coach is hired.