Bio

Charles Long has been hired as the first head coach for the new women’s soccer program at Eastern Arizona College, starting Fall 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, two trips to nationals, and an undefeated 19-0 record in regular season games. He made school history with his men’s team 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 pole as well as being named NJCAA All-Academic.

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 Chicago Sting (1982) before 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, which is where he fell in love with the profession.

Long brings over 30 years of college coaching experience. His career has included stops at the Junior College and 4-year University levels. Both are where he has had the opportunity to start several men's and women's college soccer programs. During his career, he has continuedly led his programs to national rankings and academic standings. Along the way, he has been able to start and build both 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. Long also holds a master’s degree in Intercultural Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary.

Charles and his wife Angela are looking forward to becoming part of the community, the EAC family, and developing the first-ever women’s soccer program at Eastern Arizona College.