The first-ever soccer coach was named Thursday at Iowa Lakes Community College by Athletics Director Troy Larson.

The men’s and women’s soccer coach is Kevin Farley, who has been the men’s soccer coach at Dakota Wesleyan University for three years – the past two years as head coach.

“He’s a great recruiter, coach and educator of young men and women,” said Larson.  “The fact that he’s had experience in starting a collegiate soccer program; respect in the soccer community; and the fact that his teams are very community-based made him the right fit for Iowa Lakes.  Based on Kevin’s strong character, work ethic and competitiveness, our soccer program will be an instant attraction for potential student-athletes.”

Farley will begin his duties immediately and will spend the first college year recruiting players prior to the launch of the program in the fall of 2009 at the Spencer campus.

Kevin Farley

“The commitment to winning and the commitment to improve the student-athletes’ academics made Iowa Lakes a very good fit for me,” said Farley.  “I really enjoy the recruiting process.  The community college level allows me to recruit high school students and then help place them at four-year colleges and universities. ”

He also has been to Spencer and enjoyed the community.

“In addition, the Spencer community was very appealing on my visit and the people were very friendly and I look forward to building relationships with them,” he said.

The job was also very appealing to Farley.    

“The opportunity to begin a strong program from the very beginning is an exciting challenge that I look forward to embracing,” he said.  “Iowa Lakes has demonstrated to me a strong commitment to building a successful soccer program: Many of the parts are already in place.”

Soccer is played during the months of late August through early November when tournament play begins. 

Farley’s Dakota Wesleyan team in 2006 received the Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character Team Award – something given to just one team nationwide each year in the NAIA.

In 2004, Farley received a goalkeeper certification from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.  He also has a National Diploma Certification from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Farley is a 2003 graduate of Si Tanka University in South Dakota with a degree in business management.  He is currently working on a master’s degree in education.

Prior to that, Farley served a six-year stint in the U.S. Navy and directed coaching at the Waco Futbol Club in Waco, Texas.  While there, he hired coaches as well as planned and organized tryouts and skills training camps each year.

He is a native of Lewisville, Texas.

Those with questions about soccer may contact Farley via e-mail at kfarley@iowalakes.edu.