Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Howe Takes Over Triton Women's Soccer Coaching Reigns

LYNNWOOD -- Edmonds Community College has named Aaron Howe as it's next women's soccer coach. Howe has a considerable amount of collegiate coaching experience at different levels and takes over the reigns immediately. He has a proven track record of building successful programs, recruiting student-athletes and moving them on to four-year schools, and holds his USSF National B License.

Howe's most significant NWAC coaching experience came at Shoreline CC when he led the women's program from 2011-2014 and both programs in 2013 and 2014. Howe rebuilt both teams, leading the women to four winning seasons, guiding the team to the NWAC quarterfinals in 2012 and 2014. He mentored Hayley Warren, who was the NWAC's leading goal scorer in 2013 and 2014. She was also the two-time North Region MVP and was named the Baden NWAC Women's Soccer Player of the Year in 2014. She is one of many players who have moved on to four-year universities under Howe's tutelage over his career. Howe also developed three all-league keepers in his time with the Dolphins.

His last college stop was at BYU-Hawaii University (NCAA DII) from 2015-2016. Howe assisted both the men's and women's programs for the Seasiders. BYU-Hawaii's soccer teams led the PacWest Conference in overall GPA. In two years, 16 men's soccer student-athletes were named to the All-Academic team and 25 women's soccer student-athletes garnered All-Academic team honors.

He served as the community relations coordinator for the University of California Santa Barbara men's soccer program in 2016. While working for the Gauchos, an NCAA DI, Howe assisted with soccer operations and organized recruiting efforts. In 2017 and 2018 he worked for Kitsap Alliance F.C. and was the head coach, director of high school programs, and director of the CAP program. His first stint with the club, when it was known as WestSound FC, was in 2010-2012 when he was the youth development director and head coach.

Aaron Howe
Howe was a graduate assistant at Gonzaga University from 1999-2002 and led the women's JV program in addition to teaching courses in the Physical Education department. He assisted the Spokane Community College men's team in 2001, and was the head women's soccer coach and assistant for the men's program at Wenatchee Valley College from 2002-2003. From 2004-2005 he was the head men's soccer coach at Pierce College. He is also a former student-athlete in the NWAC, as he played for South Puget Sound CC.

His coaching journey includes stops as boys soccer coach at Decatur High School from 2015-2016, and at Foster High School from 2014-2015. Howe's club experience includes stints with the FC Royals, Federal Way United, West Sound F.C., Snohomish United, Washington Premier, and Kitsap Alliance. He has two state championships with girls 18U teams and has directed youth academy camps and ID camps. He's also coached in various ID camps with other four-year coaches. Howe's specialty is working with goal keepers, something he has done at every coaching post he's held.

Howe's non-coaching sport-related work gives him a unique perspective that should aid the program's success. He also worked for the Seattle Sounders for two years helping with public relations and marketing. "Aaron has successful NWAC coaching experience and will be able to attract quality recruits because of his ability to move players on to the next level," Stark said. "He's a continual learner, and has been in a variety of roles as a coach. His wealth of experience will serve him well here. I know he will be a tireless recruiter."

"I'd like to thank Mr. Stark and the committee for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to joining this great program and build on the foundation Adam laid last year," Howe said. "We have great leadership, facilities and support at Edmonds CC. This can be a great opportunity for student-athletes to get a high quality education and get to the next level. I am very excited to start recruiting to build this winning team."

Howe earned his Bachelor's degree from Washington State University, and later obtained his Master's from Gonzaga University in Sport and Athletic Administration. He can be reached at 253-632-6598 or ahowe@zagmail.gonzaga.edu.