Rangel introduced as new head coach for women's soccer program

DOUGLAS, Ariz. --- The Cochise College Women's Soccer team will be under new leadership for the 2024 Fall season. Santos Rangel was officially approved by the Cochise College Governing Board Tuesday as the next head coach replacing Ricky Escalera who stepped down last month due to personal reasons. Rangel, a native of Yuma, Arizona, was promoted to the head coach position after two seasons as an assistant for the women's soccer team. In his two years as an assistant coach with Cochise Soccer, Rangel had an 18-11 record and helped lead the Apaches to the NJCAA Region I title game in 2022. 

Coach Rangel graduated from Kofa High School in Yuma in 2012 and competed on the soccer team at KHS along with the "Spartans" soccer club. After turning down opportunities to play soccer at the collegiate level, Rangel decided to stay home and attend Arizona Western College, eventually transferring to Northern Arizona University. During his time as a student at NAU, Rangel put together a men's league team to compete on Sundays, which he saw as an opportunity to get his "feet wet" coaching soccer. Eventually, Coach Rangel built and grew the "Lady Spartans" soccer club in Yuma which led to his hire in 2016 at his alma mater as the Kofa High School Girls Soccer head coach. 

During his tenure as KHS head coach, Rangel reached the postseason three times and helped produce nearly 20 future collegiate athletes. With his success at the high school level, Rangel began to draw interest from the Arizona Western College Women's Soccer program as he was brought on as a volunteer coach to assist with practices and recruiting. It was his time with the Lady Matadors that he felt the collegiate level was the right fit for him.

 A Truly Unique Place

"Why not Cochise?" Rangel stated. "Cochise College is a truly unique place with great people, structure, and a hunger for more." Ever since Rangel came on board as an assistant coach, he says he has always felt welcomed and comfortable. "People do not find excuses out here. They see opportunities and find solutions," Rangel mentioned. "I'm proud to be a part of that, and I know I can continue the tradition."

 Competitive Culture

When officially approved as the next head coach for Cochise Women's Soccer, Rangel was asked what his team's culture would look and feel like. "Competitive" Rangel stated. "We are hungry to get back [to the postseason]. When it comes down to it, no one will outwork us. We will be united for a common goal and have fun doing it." Coach Rangel emphasized the new-look team's discipline and organization on and off the field. "The team will get my 100% and they will be expected to give their 100%" 

The 2024 Cochise Women's Soccer roster is nearly entirely revamped as they return only 8 Sophomores from last year's 7-5 season and bring in 4 transfers and 13 Freshmen. Rangel and the Apaches begin their 2024 campaign with a trip to Casper, Wyoming August 23rd-26th for four regular season games, and will host Trinidad State on August 31st for their home opener at Cochise College.

 Rangel resides in Sierra Vista with his wife Jayden, who is a Dean of Students at Buena High School.