Hancock Selects Rob Cantrell as New Women's Soccer Head Coach

Pending approval from the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees next month, Rob Cantrell has been selected as the new head coach of the women's soccer program. Cantrell has 26 years of coaching experience, including the last 10 years as head coach of the varsity girl's soccer team at Santa Ynez High School.

"I am excited and honored to head the Lady Bulldogs' program," said Cantrell, who spent two seasons as an assistant coach on the Hancock women's soccer team in 2011-12. "As a Hancock graduate, I am happy to return to help soccer athletes on the Central Coast receive the best possible education and pursue an opportunity to play soccer at a four-year university."

Kim Ensing, associate dean and athletic director, said Cantrell was the right candidate to rebuild the program. Hancock canceled the 2015 women's soccer season for various reasons, including injuries and the resignation of then-head coach Adam McEvoy.

"Rob clearly has the passion and energy to provide leadership for the women's soccer team," said Ensing. "I know the student-athletes are excited about the program's future. They look forward to being challenged and taking their games and the program to the next level."

Cantrell has developed a dynasty at Santa Ynez High School. He has led the Pirates to eight Los Padres League championships and six CIF quarterfinal appearances in 10 seasons. Prior to the 2015-16 season, Cantrell has an overall record of 130-57-18 with the Pirates. Currently, he also coaches for the Santa Barbara Soccer Club.

Prior to Santa Ynez High School, Cantrell coached boy's varsity soccer at Bishop Diego High School and served as the director of coaching for Madrid Premier Soccer Club.

Cantrell plans to use the connections he has established on the Central Coast to draw the area's most talented players to Hancock. He also plans to hold summer youth camps and identification camps to further spread the word about Hancock women's soccer in the community.

"We have to brand the Hancock women's soccer opportunity, both in the classroom and on the field, as the most logical community college experience," said Cantrell. "We need to promote what the program will deliver an environment that will open the doors to transferring to and playing for a four-year university."

Cantrell added he teaches an attacking-style of soccer to his athletes.

"I look to create opportunities for my players to learn about why they use certain techniques at different times to create effective and quick decisions on the field," said Cantrell. "I also know that a soccer player is a person and that there is more to their life than soccer itself.  With that knowledge, I look to help my players find a way to balance themselves to better their experience.

The Board of Trustees is expected to approve the hiring at its next meeting on January 19, 2016.