The next coach of Vancouver Island University’s men’s soccer team is used to coaching VIU Mariners players.
The university announced this past week that Kevin Lindo, who has coached the women’s side since 2017, has been named the next coach of the men’s side.
Former Mariners men’s coach Larry Stefanek will be moving to U Sports this fall to coach the University of Victoria Vikes.
Lindo said in a press release that it will be exciting to begin working with VIU’s men’s program.
“I know many of the guys and had the pleasure of coaching some of them from ages as young as 11. To continue their development was a big draw,” he said.
Danielle Hyde, VIU director of athletics and recreation, said in the release that Lindo is a fixture of the Nanaimo soccer scene.
“His passion for the game combined with his connection to the community will undoubtedly lead to great things for the program,” she said.
Lindo led the VIU Mariners women to two Pacific Western Athletic Association championships and a Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association silver medal during his time as coach and said the experience with that squad was an honour.
“The team is made up of tremendous role models that inspire many young athletes in the community,” he said in the release. “I have been very fortunate to lead them and look forward to cheering them on.”
Away from the university, Lindo is the coach of the Nanaimo United FC Div. 1 men’s club team, two-time reigning Jackson Cup champions of Vancouver Island.
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