Michael Pantalione – Head Coach

Michael Pantalione enters his 25th year in 2013 as Yavapai’s first and only head soccer coach. Under his direction, Yavapai developed the most successful Junior College soccer program in the nation, capturing 69 championships including seven national championships, 17 final four finishes, a combined 39 region and district championships along with 23 conference titles. He currently has the best winning percentage of any collegiate men’s soccer coach (517-42-18/.910).

In 1995, he was selected as the recipient of the NSCAA/NISOA National Merit Honor awarded to one college coach (2-year or 4-year/men’s or women’s) whose reputation is recognized as praiseworthy, and reflective of the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior. Additionally, honors include seven NJCAA and five NSCAA National Coach of the Year Awards along with being named NSCAA West Region Coach of the Year 14 times. In 2006, he was the first active coach elected to the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2012, he received the prestigious NJCAA National Service Award given to those who have made significant contributions to junior college athletics.

A native of Philadelphia and a former goalkeeper, Pantalione previously coached soccer at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, University of Montana, Kenyon College in Ohio, Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon and Archbishop Wood High School in Philadelphia.

He graduated from the University of Montana and earned his international soccer coaching license in England. Pantalione founded, developed, and directed youth soccer in Montana, including the first state program in Missoula. In addition, Pantalione has directed and coached various summer soccer camps across the nation. In 1980, he was named national soccer coach of the year by Special Olympics, Inc. of Washington, D.C. He is a 35-year member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and is the National Chair for the JUCO Soccer Rankings and NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame Committee.

Overall Record at Yavapai College

24 Years of Excellence – Yavapai Soccer

Michael Pantalione Contact Information

Head Soccer Coach
1100 East Sheldon Street
Prescott, AZ 86301-3297
Office: (928) 776-2242
Fax: (928) 776-2243
philly@yc.edu

Hugh Bell – Associate Coach

Hugh Bell was selected as Yavapai’s first associate soccer coach in 1992, the year the Roughriders won their second national championship. In 2008, he was elected into the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2003, Bell was honored with the AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year award in a ceremony held at the America West Arena in Phoenix. Bell was also selected as a finalist for the 2004 NSCAA National Assistant Coach of the Year award.

Bell previously coached several clubs, three different high school programs in Arizona and at Scottsdale Community College. He came from Belfast, Northern Ireland where he played on numerous clubs as an attacker. He was a graduate of Arizona State University and holds a national coaching license. In addition, he has directed and coached various summer soccer camps across the nation and is a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Hugh Bell Contact Information

Associate Soccer Coach
1100 East Sheldon Street
Prescott, AZ 86301-3297
Office: (928) 776-2241
Fax: (928) 776-2243
hugh.bell@yc.edu

Emilio Estrada – Volunteer Assistant Coach

Emilio Estrada was selected Yavapai’s (volunteer) goalkeeping coach in 2011. Originally from Valle De Bravo, Mexico and a former professional goalkeeper, Estrada currently holds a United States Soccer Federation “A” License. His previous coaching experiences included training the goalkeepers associated with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer as well as Guatemala’s National Under 17 Team. In addition to working with various club programs, Estrada has also coached at Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley for six years.

Emilio Estrada Contact Information

Assistant Soccer Coach
1100 East Sheldon Street
Prescott, AZ 86301-3297
Office: (928) 776-2241
Fax: (928) 776-2243