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Johnson Tapped to Lead Launch of College’s First Men’s Soccer Team
On May 15 NorthWest Arkansas Community College announced Dean Johnson and Nick Marquez as the college’s first Head Coaches for NWACC Eagles Soccer.
“We conducted a national search with the goal of finding exceptional leaders who would build high-caliber men’s and women’s soccer programs from day one,” said Brooke Brewer, NWACC Athletic Director. “These coaches stood out, not only for their achievements on the pitch, but their clear commitment to developing student athletes and building a lasting legacy for NWACC Eagles Soccer. These hires reflect the high standards we expect of our growing athletic program.”
Dean Johnson became NWACC Eagles Head Men’s Soccer Coach effective July 26. He previously served as Associate Head Coach for Loyola Marymount University’s NCAA Division I men’s soccer program, where his strategic oversight led the team to historic success, including its first-ever NCAA national tournament quarterfinal appearance in 2023.
Johnson has more than a decade of coaching experience across NCAA Division I & II, NJCAA, USL League Two and elite international tournaments, during which he cultivated a reputation as a transformative leader with a track record of advancing players into the professional ranks.
Previously, Johnson was the Head Coach of Des Moines Menace (USL League Two), where he oversaw a dominant 25-3-3 (.854) record across two seasons. In 2022, he guided the Menace to an undefeated regular season, a Deep North Division title and a run in the U.S. Open Cup, earning him the USL League Two Coach of the Year award.
His tenure at Des Moines produced 24 players who went on to sign professional contracts, including Tyrese Spicer, Lagos Kunga and numerous NCAA athletes who transitioned into USL, NISA and European clubs.
Johnson holds a USSF B License, United Soccer Coaches National Diploma and multiple certifications from the English FA, including Level 2 in Coaching Football and Level 1 in Talent Identification.
Dean Johnson was a former collegiate player himself, whose career included time with Tottenham Hotspur Academy and Dagenham & Redbridge FC.