Joel Trainer joins the men's soccer program as an assistant coach after spending one year away from the program. Trainer played four seasons at Indiana Wesleyan from 2005-2009 and has been brought back in 2010 as part of the coaching staff. His primary role will be to work with the forwards and midfielders and the spiritual formation of the team.
"I couldn't be happier. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to gain some coaching experience under a great head coach, with great players, in a great, successful program. I'm excited to be able to invest in these guys and do what I can to make sure we get to NAIA Nationals this year," said Trainer.
Trainer had four successful seasons as a player at Indiana Wesleyan. He was named a team captain in both his junior and senior seasons. In his career at Indiana Wesleyan, Trainer scored 63 goals and had 38 assists. He was a 4-time All-MCC First Team selection, 2008 MCC Player of the Year, 2008 NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and capped off his career with a Tournament MVP performance at the 2008 NCCAA National Tournament where Indiana Wesleyan won their first national championship.
Trainer also had a successful high school career at Liberty High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was named the All-Colorado Player of the Year by the Denver Post in 2004 and led Liberty to the 2004 4A State Championship with a state-leading 33 goals. Following high school and his freshman year at IWU, Trainer played in the PDL League with the Colorado Springs Blizzard. Trainer led the team with 11 goals in 2006.
Trainer holds a USSF "E" Coaching Certificate and started his own private soccer lesson company named Training Stars Soccer Academy.
Trainer also serves as the Program and Marketing Director at a sports and adventure camp called Beulah Beach Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Vermilion, Ohio.
