JC notebook: Former U.S. soccer player Chad McCarty named Clovis Community College coach

Chad McCarty likes taking on challenges.

Such as the challenge of becoming Clovis North High’s boys soccer coach when the program debuted in 2008-09.

Now he is taking on another one.

Clovis Community College has hired McCarty to coach its men’s soccer team, which will begin its inaugural season in the fall. The school hasn’t named a coach for its women’s team, which also will debut this fall.

“I didn’t have aspirations coaching in college,” said McCarty, who will pull double duty and coach both Clovis Community and Clovis North. “I’ve been perfectly happy at Clovis North, working with youth and helping develop their skills and teach them about teamwork.

“When this opportunity opened up, it was kind of a natural fit for me: I like working with the youth, but I really feel I can connect with the young men.”

A former Clovis High star who played in college at Washington, the 38-year-old McCarty also played for the U.S. Men’s National Team and was a captain for the U.S. Olympic team that finished fourth in the 2000 Sydney Games. He played in Major League Soccer from 1998-2003.

McCarty said there will be a camp from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 2-9 at the Clovis Community Soccer Field.

“Clovis Community College is fortunate to have someone of coach McCarty’s caliber,” athletic director Susan Yates said. “He brings with him such high expertise and experience to launch a top soccer team that adds to the exceptional programs offered at Clovis Community College.”

McCarty said it’s tough to set goals for Clovis Community College because “I’m new to the junior college level, so I don’t know what I’m getting myself into.”

Whatever team McCarty assembles, he does expect it to compete and do well. On top of coaching, he’s helping with his family business, McCarty Insurance.

“I’ve been coaching for a long time. During the day, I’m working in the office,” McCarty said. “I usually get out at 2 to come out to do soccer stuff. I like the balance. I love working in the community doing business; I love working in soccer with the youth.”

Clovis Community will play in the Central Valley Conference and will begin its season Aug. 26 at the Lake Tahoe Showcase. The first home match is set for Sept. 6 against College of the Siskiyous at 1 p.m.

Clovis reveals mascot – Clovis Community will be the Crush, depicted by a charging bull, said director of communications Stephanie Babb.

Reedley College 2016 Hall of Fame class – Reedley College will induct seven athletes into the Tiger Athletic Hall of Fame on Aug. 6 in the college’s cafeteria.

The 25th annual induction banquet will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30.

This year’s inductees: Gary Esajian (football, 1973-75), Chris Iwasaki (baseball, 1976-78), Joyce Sasaki Koyama (volleyball, 1982-84), Nick Kovacevich (swimming/water polo, 1973-75), Tom Osato (meritorious service, 1967-78), David Thompson (football/track, 1966-68), and Scott Wells (football, 1985-87).

Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for Tiger Athletic Hall of Famers and $15 for children 10 and under.

Details: Ed Kezirian 559-325-1667.

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 5:16 PM with the headline "JC notebook: Former U.S. soccer player Chad McCarty named Clovis Community College coach."