NORFOLK – Northeast Community College did not have to search far to find the person who will lead its new men’s intercollegiate soccer program. Chad Miller, who currently is the supervisor of the Service Center under the College’s Technology Services Division, has been named head coach of the program that begins play this fall.

“I’m excited! I have always wanted to be here at Northeast since I graduated,” Miller said. “I have also dreamed of the day where I could be a head soccer coach for a college. Now here it is. I have the best of both worlds in one place. I’m very eager to get started!”

Miller, who has coached for five years at the high school level, is presently head coach of the girls program at Lutheran High Northeast/Norfolk Catholic in Norfolk. He also played soccer for two years in college and has achieved a diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology from Northeast.

As far as starting a new soccer program, Miller said it is familiar territory.

“I have been in this position before. I have been a player and a coach in new programs. I think my biggest pressure now is to get a team put together, but other than that, I feel pretty comfortable because I know what I want to do and we’ll build from that.”

Miller said he plans to keep the same philosophy that he has used since he started coaching.

“One difference compared to where I am now is recruiting, but I know there are some great prospects right here in our backyard. I really have this dream of recruiting locally and in the region and build a team with these players. I know we can have great success with the team we put together.”

Miller said he plans to recruit in Northeast Community College’s 20-county service area, then across Nebraska and surrounding states. He wants to have an initial team of 18-players.

Dr. Karen Severson, vice president of student services at Northeast, said there is excitement with the addition of soccer to the College’s athletic line-up.

“We are pleased to have Chad become a member of our Hawk’s athletic programs. His experience and enthusiasm for the sport will give us a solid foundation as he prepares to lead Northeast’s first soccer team into intercollegiate play.”

Northeast will play in the Iowa Community College Athletic Association with a majority of the 20-game season taking place in the fall. Home matches will be played at Veterans Memorial Park in Norfolk.