KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Stan State men's soccer coaching staff has been named the United Soccer Coaches West Region Coaching Staff of the Year, a peer-selected honor voted on by head coaches throughout the region. The Warriors are led by head coach John Powell, now in his third season, along with assistant coaches Eduardo Flores, Desmond Madrigal and Casey Clark.

The staff will be recognized at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, Penn., on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

This recognition is awarded to coaching staffs who demonstrate the highest standards of excellence in the profession. Eligible staffs must be active United Soccer Coaches members and represent an institution with College Services membership. Selection is based on overall coaching quality, including tactical knowledge, coaching philosophy, adherence to the rules and strong rapport with student-athletes. Voters also consider team image, on-field conduct, style of play, competitive success and staff professionalism. Additional criteria include service to the coaching community, participation in clinics and camps, involvement in local soccer development, positive relationships with fellow coaches and officials, constructive interaction with the media and meaningful contributions to United Soccer Coaches.

Stan State's historic 2025 season produced national recognition, including two All-Americans--- Samuel Villanueva earned D2CCA First Team All-America honors, while Angel Ruiz-Hernandez was named to the D2CCA Third Team. The United Soccer Coaches All-America teams will be released at 10 a.m. PT this morning.

The Warriors also placed eight players on All-Region teams across both organizations: Emmanuel Duran, Gerardo Flores, Ian Reis, Angel Ruiz-Hernandez, Samuel Villanueva and others who helped anchor one of the most dominant seasons in program history.

Stan State's All-CCAA success included 10 honorees:
• First Team: Emmanuel Duran, Gerardo Flores, Angel Ruiz-Hernandez, Ian Reis, Samuel Villanueva
• Second Team: Sebastian Carbajal
• Honorable Mention: Federico Barbieri, Jose Ponce, Landon Real Ruiz, Adrian Yepez

In postseason play, Samuel Villanueva was named CCAA Tournament Offensive MVP, Ian Reis earned Defensive MVP and Emmanuel Duran, Angel Ruiz-Hernandez and Alexis Cervantes were selected to the All-Tournament Team.

Stan State also recorded several program milestones: a school-record 14-match unbeaten streak, a seven-match winning streak, 17 victories (the most in school history), the program's first CCAA Tournament Championship since 2012 and an NCAA Division II Third Round appearance—the farthest postseason run in Stan State men's soccer history. The Warriors were also ranked No. 1 in the nation for two consecutive weeks.

Additional honors included Gerardo Flores as CCAA Forward of the Year, Angel Ruiz-Hernandez as Goalkeeper of the Year, Sebastian Carbajal as Freshman of the Year and Powell as CCAA Coach of the Year. Villanueva and Yepez also earned Academic All-District recognition.

Guided by Powell and his staff, the Warriors established a culture of unity, professionalism and high-level performance that propelled the program to one of its most successful seasons ever.
United Soccer Coaches will announce the National Staffs of the Year on December 19.