Cerro Coso Community College Launches Men's Soccer Program with Joseph Bouchelle as Head Coach

Cerro Coso Community College is making history by introducing its first-ever men's soccer team, a milestone that promises to enrich the athletic and cultural fabric of the institution. This exciting development marks a significant expansion of the college’s athletic programs, and at the helm of this new venture is Joseph Bouchelle IV, an experienced and passionate coach ready to lead the Coyotes onto the field.

A New Era for Cerro Coso Athletics

The decision to establish a soccer program is part of Cerro Coso’s broader initiative to enhance student life and attract a diverse range of talent to its campus. In the regional area serving the Indian Wells Campus, soccer is a well supported game and is a natural fit for Coyote athletic programming. By launching this program, the college aims to foster a sense of community while providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel both academically and athletically.

“We’re thrilled to bring soccer to Cerro Coso,” said Athletic Director John McHenry. “This program represents a commitment to growth, diversity, and providing our students with new opportunities to thrive. Soccer has a way of uniting people, and we’re excited to see its impact on our campus.”

Meet Coach Joseph Bouchelle

The selection of Joseph Bouchelle as the team’s inaugural head coach has already generated significant excitement. With a rich background in coaching and a deep understanding of the game, Bouchelle brings the perfect blend of experience and enthusiasm to the role. He has demonstrated an understanding building successful teams, mentoring players, and fostering a positive environment both on and off the field.

“I am obviously very excited. I appreciate the trust placed in me by Director McHenry, and my family is thrilled about making a new start in the community of Ridgecrest," said Bouchelle.

Bouchelle has already begun recruiting efforts, focusing on assembling a team that reflects the college’s values of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. His vision for the program includes not only competitive success but also fostering a culture of inclusivity and sportsmanship.

"My biggest goals are working toward building a championship program through strong culture. My focus will be to recruit and build around athletes with champion's mindset. But before we can achieve these longer term goals, we need to focus on winning the first game that will lead us into a championship culture."

Looking Ahead

The inaugural soccer season is set to kick off in the fall of 2025, with the Coyotes competing in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA). Home games will be played at a newly renovated field on campus, providing an excellent venue for students, faculty, and the local community to come together and support the team. When asked about the challenges of leading a startup program, Coach Bouchelle said he is poised for the opportunity. "Being a brand new program actually helps me to establish the direction and expectations from the start. We will be able to tell from day one where we are headed, and make no mistake, expectations will be very high with a focus on building a program and finding success along the way."

Development

The introduction of soccer at Cerro Coso is more than just an athletic expansion; it’s a testament to the college’s dedication to enriching student experiences and fostering a sense of belonging. Coach Bouchelle also embraces the 2-year experience and developing his players during their time at this level. "Being a Junior College is a unique athletic experience because players still have the opportunity to develop after high school with ambition to transfer on to a four year college. We will support this by being disciplined, setting high standards around academics and continued focus to mover athletes on to four year programs. Our goal is to not only aid them on the field, but in the classroom as well as personal development."

With Joseph Bouchelle leading the charge, the future of Cerro Coso men's soccer looks bright. Coach Bouchelle is actively recruiting for the fall 2025 season with scheduling and updates to be announced later in the spring of 2025.

Welcome Coach Bouchelle...MAKE YOUR MARK!