Wildcats add Sandoval to men’s soccer coaching staff

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University Intercollegiate Athletics has announced the addition of Jon Sandoval as an assistant coach for the Men’s Soccer program. Sandoval will aid head coach David Poggi in all aspects of the Men’s Soccer program.

“I am very excited to welcome Jon to our program,” Poggi said of the hire. “His successful playing and coaching experience at the NCAA Division I level will be a valuable asset to our program.”

Sandoval joins the Wildcats for the 2018 seasons after spending the past two years as an assistant for the men’s program at St. Ambrose University.

“I cannot begin to describe how excited I am to join the Wildcat family,” said Sandoval. “Coach Poggi and Northern Michigan University have proven track records of success and I am humbled by the opportunity they have given to me. I cannot wait to meet the team and to kick off our 2018 campaign.

At St. Ambrose, Sandoval helped guide the Fighting Bees to a 12-22-5 overall record, including a berth in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference semifinals in 2016. Prior to his time at SAU, he spent on year on staff at Scott Community College.

“Jon understands what is required to be a successful student-athlete,” Poggi added. “His experience developing players from the Midwest at the NCAA Division I, NJCAA, and NAIA levels will make our program stronger.”

For three seasons, Sandoval was on staff at his alma mater as an assistant coach and director of operations at Western Illinois University. As a student-athlete for the Fighting Leathernecks, Sandoval was a two-year starter. He helped guide Western Illinois to the NCAA Tournament in 2010 and lead the team in points as a senior. He also earned the “Mr. Leatherneck” Award as a senior given annually to a player who exhibits strong work ethic and character.

Sandoval graduated from Western Illinois with a degree in Psychology in 2012 and also holds a master’s degree