sports@kvsc.org / Photo SCSU Athletics

St. Cloud State athletics announced Tuesday that Sean Holmes would be the head coach of the men’s soccer program on campus. The program will begin NCAA Division II play at the University in fall of 2020.

“I am honored to have been selected as the men’s soccer coach at St. Cloud State University for its inaugural season at the first NCAA Division II program in Minnesota,” Holmes said. “Minnesota has a rich tradition of soccer at the youth, high school and professional levels. Collegiate soccer further enriches the community, the region and the state with yet another opportunity to grow the game.”

Holmes brings a variety of experience in his soccer background. Residing from Des Moines Iowa, he was at the helm of the Drake University program for 17 seasons from 1998 to 2015. Success was a standard for Holmes at Drake, making multiple playoff appearances in the MVC Conference as well as a Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Division 1 tournament. In total, winnings piled up to 141 games in that span in charge of the Drake men’s soccer program.

Before his successful stint at Drake, Holmes spent time with the University of Evansville for four seasons, then moved onto Baker University, notching 78 wins to his record in five years. Baker saw notable seasons with three conference titles during his time there noted with three district titles as well. Locally in Des Moines, Holmes served as the head boys soccer coach at Theodore Roosevelt High School. 

The new St. Cloud State head coach holds an education from Carleton University and claims a masters degree from the University of Kansas. A U.S. Soccer federation level “A” coaching license that has brought about his many opportunities around the soccer world. Holmes boasts opportunities as a former scout with MLS club Minnesota United FC as well as time working with the Region II Olympic Development Program and the Kansas Olympic Development program as well. 

In his own playing days, Holmes served as a team captain for the men’s soccer program at Carleton College. He spent a short stint of professional club play with the Canadian Soccer League with the National Capital Pioneers.

The newly acquired head coach will build a SCSU men’s soccer program from the ground up, with expected games to be played Fall of 2020. Men’s soccer was added to St. Cloud State University athletics the same day Football and Golf were cut from the athletics program. SCSU will begin as a NCAA Division II affiliate being the only team to compete in Minnesota at the DIvision II level as well. 

St. Cloud State has had a strong women’s soccer presence on campus with a team that currently competes in the NSIC. Men’s soccer at SCSU will become the first NCAA Division II team in the state of Minnesota. A team roster and schedule will be announced in the next few months.