TWIN FALLS, Idaho – On Monday, the College of Southern Idaho announced the addition of men's and women's soccer programs, beginning fall of 2024.
"We have always wanted to add a soccer program but the how and the where have been the question," said CSI President Dean Fisher. "Working together with the city of Jerome we are now excited to announce that we will be able to offer men's and women's soccer, starting fall of 2024."
The Golden Eagles will compete in the Scenic West Athletic Conference and will be the final team in the region to add soccer. Currently there are seven men's and women's programs participating – Truckee Meadows CC, Salt Lake CC, Snow College, Colorado Northwestern, Southern Nevada, Community Christian and USU Eastern. Pacific Northwest College will also be joining the SWAC this upcoming fall with men's and women's soccer.
"We are excited to be able to offer a collegiate soccer program and keep local talent in our area while giving Idaho soccer players an option to stay close and compete on a national level," said CSI Athletic Director Joel Bate. "Not only will the addition of two programs be beneficial to our athletic department and college as a whole but also will be a positive impact to our Magic Valley community."
Bate will begin the hiring process for a coach this summer and will look to have someone on campus by August. For the 2023-24 school year one coach will focus on creating the men's and women's programs, including recruiting a full roster for each team.
CSI will play its home contests at a new outdoor facility being developed south of Jerome. The Golden Eagles will practice at the soccer fields adjacent to the dorms on campus.
"The recruiting focus of these teams will be regional, primarily Idaho and surrounding states. The college will look to carry 22 to 24 players per team," Bate said.