Wednesday, June 2, 2021
by Northwest Nazarene Athletic Communications

NAMPA, Idaho - John Powell has been named the next head men's soccer coach at Northwest Nazarene University. 
 
"I am excited to welcome John and his family to NNU," said Director of Athletics Kelli Lindley. "John has played and coached at the Division II level and clearly has a strong understanding of what it takes to recruit and win in an incredibly competitive region for men's soccer."

"I would like to thank President Pearsall, Athletic Director Lindley, the hiring committee and the team for entrusting me to lead the Men's Soccer program at NNU," said Powell. "It is a blessing and an honor to work with the student-athletes and fellow coaches and administration at a fantastic university, both academically and athletically. My wife and I immediately felt at home on our visit to NNU and I can't wait to get to work."
 
Powell comes to NNU after spending a year at Arizona Christian University, first named an assistant coach in June 2020 before being promoted to head coach of the Firestorm in November 2020.
 
"John's philosophy of coaching and passion for impacting and disciplining young men will be a perfect fit here at NNU," added Lindley. "I am confident John will make a significant impact in the lives of his players both on and off the pitch."

"The decision to make the move to NNU was rooted in the institution's commitment to carry out its core values," added Powell. "Coaching at Northwest Nazarene is a rare opportunity that allows me to coach at a Christian university, where I'll get the opportunity to develop young men on and off the pitch."
 
Prior to ACU, Powell was the Associate Head Coach at Stanislaus State from 2013-2019. After playing for the Warriors, Powell twice served as a coach for his alma mater. His favorite highlights on the pitch as a coach were helping the Warriors advance to the NCAA Division II Tournament in 2015 and play in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship match in both 2014 and 2015.
 
During his time at Stanislaus State as the top assistant, Powell was the lead recruiter and academic coordinator. The Warriors produced 16 All-CCAA players, six All-Region honorees, and one NCAA Division II All-American with Powell on the staff. The 2015 squad owns the Warrior record for goals (54), assists (51), and shutouts (10) in a season.
 
In between his stints at Stanislaus State, Powell spent time at Modesto Junior College as an assistant coach.  The Pirates qualified for the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) playoffs and were ranked as high as seventh in the state of California.
 
Along with his collegiate coaching, Powell has spent the last nine years working with the San Jose Earthquakes Regional Academy Center, Academica FC (Calif.), and the CCV Stars (Ariz.).