College of the Desert Women's Soccer has hired Ramon Rivas to helm the Roadrunners program.

Coach Rivas has coached at multiple levels. Prior to joining the College of the Desert Athletics Department, Rivas was an assistant with the East Los Angeles College Men's Soccer team in Monterey Park. After four seasons with the ELAC Huskies, he joined the coaching staff at the Cerritos Falcons Men's Soccer program in Norwalk and was simultaneously serving as an assistant coach on the Cal State Los Angeles Golden Eagles staff in University Hills.

"I'm grateful to be here! I want to begin by thanking the COD Athletic Department for the opportunity. Also want to thank all of my mentors, coaches, and student-athletes I've had the privilege of working with in the past," Coach Rivas said in a recent interview with COD Athletics.com. "I am excited and prepared to be leading the Women's Soccer program at COD. I am aware that there's some challenges that we need to overcome, but there's a lot of great things that we can do here. Soccer in the Coachella Valley is growing tremendously. The love and passion the community has for the sport is incredible. My job here is to elevate the program to the next level and take it to where we all know it belongs. I will be bringing in a coaching staff with the same mindset and drive. The goal is to connect and establish a relationship with all local high schools, club teams, and the people of this community. Secondly, create a culture, identity, and competitive environment. I am looking to compete, dominate, and be amongst the best in our conference on and off the field. This will allow our athletes to play at the next level, graduate, and receive an academic and athletic scholarship. I do believe that with hard work, commitment, and professionalism things will change for the better. We have something to prove!"

Coach Rivas spent two seasons as the head coach with the Matadors of San Gabriel High School in Alhambra, five years as the junior varsity coach with the Lancers of Bell Gardens High School and has also been the head coach for A.S. Los Angeles of the National Professional Soccer League and United Premier Soccer League.

"The plan is to educate. Educate parents, players, coaches, and our whole community. We will inform everyone about the benefits of attending a Community College at what pathways it offers. This option will open up many doors for these student-athletes. They all need to understand that this is not only about x's and o's, but it's about helping these young women succeed on and off the field and to continue to empower them through sports. The Community College route is an excellent avenue for the next level," commented Coach Rivas.

Coach Rivas earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Cal State Los Angeles and is currently working on his Master's degree. Coach Rivas is 30 and resides in Los Angeles.

"Parents and recruits I am coming! I love what I do, I'm very passionate about my job, and I will do all in my power to help the players succeed. After 6 years of coaching at the Community College level, I know that this is my calling. The future of COD Women's soccer looks bright! I am ready to hit the ground running. Look forward to seeing you all at our home matches this upcoming year," continued Coach Rivas.

Adding, "Padres, estoy agradecido por la oportunidad de liderar el programa de mujeres en COD. El objetivo aquí es ayudar a sus hijas a tener éxito dentro y fuera del campo. Gracias por la confianza y el Apollo. Nos vemos en la cancha!"

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information, Photos & Story provided by COD Sports Information.