Hector Briceno to lead the Men's Soccer Program

Hector takes over the reigns for the Coyotes in the 2025-2026 campaign.  He will be replacing Zack Kampf who has led the program back into a healthy thriving program comming out of the pandemic. Hector, an alumni from 2014-15 takes over the program where his college career began.  "We are exctied to bring Hector on to continue the growth of the program.  Anytime you have the chance to add his level of leadership is a special thing and to have a Coyote come home to do it is really special" says Russell Luce the Director of Athletics.

Hector Briceno Bio:

For Héctor Briceño, soccer has always been more than just a sport—it's been his compass, guiding him through every stage of his life. Born and raised in Obregón, Sonora, his love for the game started at a young age, playing in the streets and dreaming of competing at higher levels. When he moved to Arizona at the age of 9, soccer became his bridge to a new world, helping him find purpose, discipline, and lifelong friendships.
His high school years at Red Mountain High School solidified his reputation as a talented and hardworking player. Over three seasons of varsity soccer, Héctor developed into a leader on the field, showcasing the skill and determination that would later define his playing career. In his senior year, he took his game to the club level, playing for Gilbert Arsenal under Brian Ronan, a respected coach who would go on to lead Mesa Community College.
After high school, Héctor earned an athletic scholarship to Chandler-Gilbert Community College for the 2014-15 season, where he pursued an associate degree in psychology while continuing to develop as a player. His time at CGCC was brief but impactful, and soon he began looking for opportunities at the next level.
That journey led him to William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he spent three seasons (2015-2018) competing in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (NAIA Division). The league was filled with international talent, pushing him to elevate his game against top-tier competition. By the time he graduated with a degree in General Psychology, he had gained not only experience on the field but also an understanding of the mental side of sports—something that would later shape his approach to coaching.
After Iowa, Héctor returned home to Arizona, ready to apply his psychology background in a professional setting. He enrolled in the Graduate General Psychology program at Grand Canyon University. But while psychology was his academic pursuit, soccer never left his heart.

Following his time at GCU, Héctor transitioned into coaching, determined to help young athletes the way his mentors had helped him. He founded Oro Talent, a soccer brand focused on developing the next generation of players in Arizona. His dedication to the game extended beyond coaching, as he continued to play at a competitive level. Over four seasons in the UPSL, he represented East Valley United (two seasons), MSC United (one season), and The Next Level Premier team (one season). He also embraced the fast-paced world of futsal, playing one season each with OT Futsal and Brusa FC, two Arizona-based teams.
Coaching quickly became more than just a side project—it became his mission. For the past three years, Héctor has been at the helm of Mesquite High School's soccer program, turning what was once an underdog team into a Top 6 contender in Arizona's 4A division. His coaching philosophy combines his psychology background with his playing experience, focusing on mental resilience, technical development, and mentorship.
Now, as part of Chandler-Gilbert Community College's soccer program, Héctor has set his sights on a new goal—bringing CG Soccer to national recognition. Fluent in English and Spanish, he is committed to recruiting and nurturing local talent, believing that Arizona has the potential to produce high-level athletes. His journey, from a young boy playing in Sonora to a respected coach in Arizona, is proof that with dedication, passion, and the right guidance, any player can reach their full potential.

For Héctor Briceño, the game never stops—it only evolves. And now, he's here to help others write their own soccer stories.