Trinidad State has begun the search for a soccer coach to lead the women’s team, and build on the success of the program’s first coach, Aaron Miller. Miller was hired four years ago with the daunting task of building both a men’s and women’s soccer program from the ground up. Just three years in, the men’s team made it to the semi-finals in the NJCAA national tournament. Last year Trinidad State hired Hawken Hanna as assistant coach and half time recruiter. Now, with a total of 60 soccer players expected on the Trinidad Campus in the fall, the search is on for a coach of the women’s team.
“As anticipated from the beginning, the time has finally come to split these teams,” said Trinidad State President Dr. Carmen Simone. Coach Miller will be able to focus his full attention on the men’s team. “We are really looking at the future with this move,” commented Athletic Director Mike Salbato. “Aaron (Miller) has done a great job, and I am confident the men’s soccer team will continue to enjoy success through this change. We are excited for the future of both programs.”
The national search opened a week ago, and the college has already had interest from several qualified individuals. “Trinidad State is a great place to work, and we get very qualified, top notch coaches applying whenever we open a position,” said Salbato. “This program is in very good shape, so whoever takes this position will have the table set for success.” The men’s team finished 11-8-1 in 2015. The women compiled a record of 7-8-1.
“Both Coach Miller and Assistant Coach Hanna will continue working with our student-athletes this spring during the transition,” said Simone.