RENO, NEV. – Following four seasons as a volunteer coach with the Nevada soccer team, Ivan Zarate has been promoted to full-time assistant coach. 

Joining the Pack prior to the 2018 season, Zarate has been a part of the Nevada soccer coaching staff as a volunteer coach. His main focus being on the team's goalkeepers. Zarate coached up the likes of senior Kendal Stovall, who currently is second all-time at Nevada in saves (335).

Coach Erin Otagaki talks about the importance of the promotion to the program. 

"Ivan has been such an important part of Wolf Pack Soccer over the last couple of years," Coach Otagaki said. "His ability to work with the goalkeepers has been incredible. His enthusiasm for the sport and the goalkeeper position is evident in his training sessions. He continues to pour his knowledge and energy into this program and we continue to be grateful for his dedication."

Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Zarate was a goalkeeper at the University of Central Arkansas from 2007-11. He led the team to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship Tournament in 2011. He boasts the school record for goals-against average.

Following his collegiate career, Zarate made the MISL Wichita Wings practice squad, and then served as the head coach of the women's soccer team at Independent High School in Wichita, Kan.

"Being promoted has been a great experience and the fruit of a lot of sacrifice," Zarate explained. "I volunteered for four years waiting for this opportunity and now that I am here, I feel more love for the team and the staff than ever. It has been an incredible journey so far and I can not wait to see these young ladies achieve their personal and team goals. I am beyond excited to keep on learning from the brilliant coaching staff that has supported me to the end in this journey." 

Zarate will look to improve on the recent success of his Nevada Soccer team that finished with a 4-5-2 conference record, a program-best since joining the Mountain West.