IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa graduate Chris Early has been named volunteer assistant coach with the Hawkeyes’ women’s soccer program, UI head coach Dave DiIanni announced Wednesday.
Early joins the UI after spending the 2015 season as an assistant coach at Northwestern State University. The Lady Demons scored 33 goals during Early’s lone season with the program — the most since 2009 — and he coached two players to All-Southland Conference honors.
“We are excited about the addition of Chris to the Hawkeye soccer family and welcoming him back to Iowa City, where he was an undergraduate student four years ago,” said DiIanni. “Chris has a proven passion for the game of soccer, a willingness to learn and grow as a coach, and a work ethic to build experiences by his various backgrounds in club, ODP, camps, and at the university level.
“We know he will have motivation to improve everyone each day as a coach and help us grow as a staff and program.”
During his year-long stint in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Early also served as an assistant for the Louisiana Soccer Association, working with the girls Olympic Development Program. He also started Northwestern State men’s soccer club team and coached various youth clubs in the area and state.
Before heading south, Early spent a spring as an assistant coach at NCAA Division III Bethel (Minn.) University, and he has extensive experience coaching at the youth level.
After graduating high school, Early was the head coach for the Sporting St. Croix Soccer Club (U11 Select Boys) while serving as an assistant for the U18 Academy Boys (Minnesota State Cup champions) and the U17 Select Girls.
Early, who played one season for San Bernadino Valley College until a knee injury ended his competitive college career, also played and coached the University of Iowa’s men’s club soccer team in 2013 and 2014 and was a camp counselor and practice player for the Hawkeyes under former head coach Ron Rainey in 2012.
“I am excited for the opportunity to get back to Iowa City and work with the soccer program,” said Early. “Coach DiIanni has a long history of success and I was intrigued at the opportunity to learn from him and grow as a coach.
“I love the Iowa campus, Iowa City, and am passionate about the Hawkeyes. This is a perfect fit for me at this point in my career and I cannot wait to get started.”
Early also served as a staff coach and technical skills trainer for the Iowa City Alliance Soccer Club U9-U18 boys and girls teams.
The Stillwater, Minnesota, native graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and sport management in December, 2012.