While becoming the second former graduate assistant coach to rejoin Bulldog Athletics in a full-time capacity this month, Cody Carlson eagerly steps into the newly formed role of Assistant Men's Soccer Coach under the direction of Head Coach Ralph Perez, effective Monday, July 23.
"I am extremely excited and grateful to be back at the University of Redlands. The Bulldog men's soccer program holds a special place in my heart, having been a student-athlete and graduate assistant coach for the Maroon and Gray. It's a dream come true to come back and coach the team I love," Carlson stated. "I want to thank Coach Perez and [Director of Athletics] Jeff Martinez for this opportunity, and I am very motivated to help bring the program to an even greater level of success in the near future."
Most recently, Carlson served as the Director of Operations for Men's Soccer at the University of Portland. He contributed to the Pilots' tied-for-second-place showing in the West Coast Conference by assisting with equipment management, video analysis, camp development, team travel, among other things. He also coached the U-12 and U-15 boys' age groups at FC Portland and won the 2018 President's Cup in Oregon with the U-15 team.
A student of the game, he currently holds his United States Soccer Federation "C" Coaching License. He intends to attain his "B" license in the near future.
"We are thrilled to have Cody Carlson back working with us in this full-time position," commented Perez. "He returns to Redlands not only with another year of experience but one at the Division I level. He brings a great passion for Redlands men's soccer and is dedicated to being a Bulldog. We look forward to continuing our success."
Carlson originally worked with the Bulldogs from 2014 to 2017, both as a graduate assistant and then in a part-time role. While at Redlands, he helped the squad gain its highest national ranking ever when it reached No. 7 upon conclusion of the 2016 campaign. The Bulldogs captured the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) regular-season championship each of his three seasons while also securing the SCIAC Postseason Tournament title in 2015 and 2016. The Maroon and Gray advanced to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals in 2016 to better the squad's second-round appearance from the previous year. Carlson was among the 2015 SCIAC Coaching Staff of the Year and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-West Region Staff of the Year in 2015 and 2016.
Overall, Carlson assisted in the development and success of 12 All-SCIAC players, one SCIAC Athlete of the Year, and eight NSCAA All-West Region selections. With academics as a priority, he also coached three NSCAA Scholar All-Americans and a pair of College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District honorees.
In addition to coaching, Carlson completed his Master of Arts in Management through the School of Business at the University of Redlands.
In 2016, Carlson also served as the Head Coach of the Redlands High School boys' varsity team. In that one year, he elevated the Terriers from eighth place in the Citrus Belt League to third place while also making the CIF playoffs. Finally, he gained coaching experience by leading the IER Pateadores B2000s and Riverside Coras of the NPSL.
Carlson earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Redlands in 2012. As a four-year student-athlete, he competed for the Bulldog men's soccer program and earned significant awards along the way. His presence on the field was unmatched during the 2011 season, as the Bulldog forward earned the 2011 SCIAC Athlete of the Year award. In addition, he was a three-time First-Team All-Conference selection and landed on the NSCAA All-West Region team on three occasions. After the 2010 season, he became an NSCAA All-American.
During his tenure, the Bulldogs won the SCIAC Championship in three of his four seasons and twice advanced to the NCAA Championships. As a senior, Carlson played an integral role in the team's 16-game win streak en route to an NCAA Sweet 16 run.
Furthermore, he shined in the classroom, earning 2011 CoSIDA Academic All-District honors and 2011 NSCAA Scholar All-America accolades.
Following college, Carlson played for Pali Blues FC and Ventura County Fusion FC in the PDL, and for the Ontario Fury in the MASL.
Carlson joins Assistant Water Polo Coach Ryan Hall '08 '16 as the second former graduate assistant to earn the opportunity to coach full-time at Redlands this month. They are among the recent, new hires in Bulldog Athletics, as the department transitions from graduate assistants to salaried positions.