Lamoni, IA-The Graceland soccer program will see a changing of the guard as former assistant coach Guillermo Sanchez will take the reins of the Yellowjacket men's soccer squad from Coach Angel Monroy, who has decided to step down after a tenure of two years in Lamoni. Coach Sanchez was promoted to Associate Head Coach for the 2009 season, his second at Graceland after a decorated playing career for the Jackets.

Monroy served on the GU soccer staff after his graduation from Graceland for a total of eight seasons as an assistant and recruiting coordinator under storied Coach Ivan Joseph, and for the past two seasons has ably led the Graceland men as head coach. He will finish with a 23-11-4 record as the Jacket headman, including two trips to the Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament.

Sanchez will be graduating in May with his Masters Degree in Sports Psychology from Capella University (Minneapolis, MN) and will be earning his B license from the US Soccer Coaches Association this summer. Coach Sanchez was a captain for the Yellowjacket men's team in the 2005 season and a three-time All-Conference and two-time All-American Scholar-Athlete during his time as a player. After his playing days at GU, Sanchez played professionally with Red Star (Caracas, Venezuela).

With his background and passion for the sport, program and University Coach Sanchez brings outstanding leadership, commitment and energy to the Graceland soccer family. Sanchez will begin coaching responsibilities effectively immediately.

"I am very glad for this opportunity to lead a great program like we have here at Graceland," said Coach Sanchez. "We have a lot of work between us and the 2010 season, but the guys are already out there this offseason, putting all the effort that it will take to get us where we need to be. We are currently graduating eleven seniors who have contributed immeasurably to Yellowjacket soccer. I would like to thank them for all they did for the team," continued Sanchez, adding: "This new team, however, already knows that it is now up to them to keep improving as a program, as a unit, and as members of the community."

"I invite all the alumni and friends to stay connected with the program, as all our accomplishments in the past and in the future will always be a result of not only those who are here in Lamoni, but of everyone the world over who continue to support Yellowjacket soccer," concluded Coach Sanchez.

Congratulations to both Coach Sanchez on his elevation and thank you to Coach Angel Monroy for his long service to Graceland.

For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu