EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University athletic department announced on Monday that Benny Flores has accepted the post as the new Director of Soccer for the Beacons. He will be the head coach for the NCU men’s soccer team and will support the women’s soccer program in budgeting, scheduling, and recruiting efforts.
Athletic Director Corey Anderson said, “Coach Flores brings to the NCU Soccer program the much needed experience that will serve both the men’s team and women’s team well in the immediate future. As an eleven year veteran in the business of soccer coaching at a Christian university in the NAIA and Cascade Collegiate Conference, Benny will be able to direct and coach from an angle of experience. This will be reflective in his recruiting, on-field tactics, organization and his ability to build relationships with his players. We feel truly blessed to welcome Benny to the NCU Athletics family!”
Coach Flores said, “It has been a lifelong dream to be a college soccer coach at a Christian university. Here at NCU I get to combine two great things; my love for the Lord and my love for soccer. I am honored to be a part of this great university. I would like to thank the administration and the athletic department for entrusting the soccer program to me. I believe that together we can take the soccer programs to new heights. The Cascade Conference has extremely competitive teams in Men’s and Women’s Soccer. Our goal is to challenge for Cascade Conference Championships every year.”
No stranger to the Cascade Collegiate Conference, Flores comes to NCU from Corban University where he spent the past 11 seasons with their women’s soccer team including the last four years as the Associate Head Coach alongside Head Coach Marty Ziesemer. During his time with the Warriors the team earned eight playoff appearances and played in six CCC championship games.
Ziesemer said, “While it is disappointing to lose a valued colleague and friend from our program, I am excited for Benny as he takes on a new challenge. I am confident he has the knowledge and ability to lead the NCU program in a positive direction. The greatest contribution Benny will add is his desire to mentor and develop young men and challenge and encourage them to succeed in their faith.”
Flores, who has also coached with the Silver Falls Soccer Club, was a three-year standout player at Corban, then Western Baptist College. He was a three-time MVP and is still ranked third all-time in scoring for the Warriors.
Flores, who currently lives in Salem with his wife Barbara and their children Benny Jr., Julia, and Izabela, will assume coaching and recruiting duties immediately.