The University of Guam has recently named Rod Hidalgo its new Head Coach for Men’s and Women’s Soccer under the recently relaunched Triton Athletics program. The Tritons plan to participate in the upcoming Guam Football Association (GFA) men’s and women’s leagues in the fall.

An alumnus of the University of Guam, Hidalgo received a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in physical education from UOG in 1994. Thirteen years later, Hidalgo earned a Masters of Science in exercise science from California University of Pennsylvania and with it the NASM–Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) credential.  He also holds the Asian Football Confederation “B” Coaching License. 

“We’re very happy to have a very professional coach who will get our program off to a potentially fast start,” said UOG Athletic Director Doug Palmer. “We expect him to build a good, solid program where we’ll be competitive and represent the University in a very positive manner.”

Over the last 21 years, Hidalgo has developed his coaching skills at both the middle school and high school level, in recent times as the boys’ and girls’ lead soccer coach at Okkodo High School while simultaneously serving as a physical education teacher.

Over the last two years, Hidalgo has served as an assistant soccer coach for the Guam National Team Program—coaching the Women’s National Team (Masakåda ), coaching the U13/14 Boys National Team, and serving as a GFA National Academy Youth Coach.  He will be assisting the Masakåda in the upcoming EAFF Tournament June 29-July 4.

In addition to his extensive coaching experience, Hidalgo has made soccer a life-long passion. He played the sport throughout high school, at the collegiate club level in the U.S. mainland, and on the Guam Men’s National Team. 

“I feel blessed to be able to serve my Alma Mater,” said Hidalgo. “I am excited to be able to have a part in helping the students learn not just the game but also team and leadership skills they will need past their college years. I am looking forward to the upcoming season and more.”

UOG relaunched Triton Athletics in April starting with men’s basketball, competing in the Guam Basketball Association. The program plans to launch women’s volleyball, baseball and other sports in the coming years. 

“Triton Athletics is a part of the University’s Good to Great initiative to provide an outlet for students to continue to develop their athletic skills and abilities while they are continuing their education,” said Randy Wiegand, UOG Vice President of Administration and Finance. “It is another way we are trying to meet student needs and enhance the student experience.” 

 

Men’s and Women’s Soccer Tryouts This Month

Tryouts for the Triton Soccer teams will be held at the UOG Tritons Field at the UOG Calvo Field House on July 25-26 from 3-5 p.m. for men and  July 27-28 from 3-5 p.m. for women.

The tryouts are open to all UOG students who meet the Triton Athletics eligibility criteria listed at www.uog.edu/athletics/eligibility.

Interested athletes should send their name, email address, position, and past teams played for to rodhidalgo@triton.uog.edu.

For more information, contact Rod Hidalgo at rodhidalgo@triton.uog.edu or Athletic Director Doug Palmer at palmerd@triton.uog.edu or call (671) 735-2861.