Bio

Charles Long was hired as the first head coach for the new women’s soccer program at Eastern Arizona College that started in the Fall of 2023. 

Long comes to us from Snow College, where he coached both the men’s and women’s soccer programs. In his three seasons at the helm, he led the men's team to a 33-14-1 overall record and the women's team to a 41-7-3 overall record. During Long’s tenure as head coach, the women's team won back-to-back regular season SWAC titles in 2021 and 2022, made two trips to nationals, and achieved an undefeated 19-0 record in regular season games. He made school history with his men’s team by taking them to Nationals in 2021. While finishing his run at Snow College, the men’s team defeated the #1 team in the nation, SLCC, to win the Region XVIII tournament. Both teams were consistently ranked in the NJCAA poll and were named NJCAA All-Academic.

In 2023, Long's inaugural women’s soccer team at Eastern Arizona College completed their first season with a conference record of 9-3-1 and an overall record of 11-4-3. The team finished 3rd in the conference and placed second in the region, earning NJCAA Region I runner-up. The team saw three All-Conference players, two All-Region players, one 2nd Team All-American, and one All-West Region player. They were nationally ranked by the United Soccer Coaches Association and maintained a 3.5 team GPA.

Originally from Richmond, VA, Long spent the first 18 years of his life living in Brazil. He is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, which he will be able to utilize as a tool to communicate with international students, helping them adjust to a new culture and life at EAC.

Long was drafted by the Oklahoma City Slickers of the American Soccer League before turning it down for a chance to play with the Chicago Sting (1982) until a knee injury sidelined his playing career. Later in his career, he started and was a player-coach with the Montgomery Capitals USISL. His first coaching job came at Belhaven College from 1982-86, where he fell in love with the profession.

Long brings over 30 years of college coaching experience, with his career including stops at the Junior College and 4-year University levels. He has had the opportunity to start several men's and women's college soccer programs. Throughout his career, he has consistently led his programs to national rankings and academic standings. Along the way, he has also started and built youth programs across North and South America.

Long graduated from Wheaton College in 1982 with a bachelor’s in biblical studies. He then earned his master’s degree in physical education from Mississippi College in 1989 and holds a master’s degree in Intercultural Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary.

Charles brings with him his wife Angela and they are enjoying their time at EAC.