LAKE CHARLES – McNeese Cowgirl soccer head coach Drew Fitzgerald has announced the addition of Juan Yepes to his staff as an assistant coach for the 2023 season.

"Juan comes highly recommended and every person we spoke to about him said great things," said Fitzgerald. "Adding him to our staff will make an immediate positive impact!"

"I'm beyond excited to be a part of the incredible McNeese soccer program," said Yepes. "I'm ready to bring my skills, passion, experience, and dedication to the field. Let's chase victories, create unforgettable moments, and make the McNeese soccer family proud."

Yepes comes from FC Carmen Bucuresti where he served as an assistant and goalkeeper coach for the first division club. He helped the club to finish third in the standings with a 9-2-0 record.

Prior to the 2022-23 season, he accumulated a wealth of experience at various levels. Yepes was the goalkeeper program director for the Under 16 and Under 10 girls' programs at the Dynamo Dash Youth Soccer Club in Beaumont. He led the way in player development and helped evaluate player performances.

During the 2021 campaign, he was a part of the Northwestern State soccer program that won the Southland Conference Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. He coached the SLC Goalkeeper of the Year and the MVP of the tournament. His guidance led the team to ranking second nationally in shutouts.

Before joining the Northwestern State staff, he spent the 2020-21 season with South Carolina State. In 2019, he worked at SC Marítimo, St. Peter's University, and Central Florida Panthers Soccer Club. He worked at several clubs prior as well.

Fitzgerald commented, "Due to Juan's vast experience, he has performed every aspect of the job at some point in his career, which will allow him to hit the ground running for us. He has a love of the game and a depth of knowledge and experience that will make both our players and coaches better, and we feel blessed to be able to add him to our staff."

Yepes graduated from UNEM Costa Rica in 2005 with a degree in business. He played collegiate soccer for Club Estudiantil at Universidsd de Medellin prior. After college, he played a year at the semi-professional level at Club Gimnasio alongside several former Colombia National Team players.