John Powell was named Head Coach of the ACU men's soccer program in November, 2020. He was originally hired in June, 2020 as the program's top assistant, but was promoted to the head position midseason, following the sudden departure of the previous coach. Powell came to the ACU coaching staff after serving as the Associate Head Coach at California State University - Stanislaus since 2013.
After playing for the Warriors, Powell twice served as a coach for his alma mater Stanislaus State. His favorite highlights on the pitch as a coach were helping the Warriors advance to the NCAA Division II Tournament in 2015 and play in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship match in consecutive years.
During his second stint at Stan State as the top assistant, Coach Powell was the lead recruiter and academic coordinator. The Warriors produced 16 All-CCAA players, six All-Region honorees, and one NCAA Division II All-American with Powell on the staff. The 2015 squad owns the Warrior record for goals (54), assists (51), and shutouts (10) in a season.
Sandwiched between working at Stanislaus State, Coach Powell spent time at Modesto Junior College as an assistant coach. The Pirates qualified for the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) playoffs and were ranked as high as seventh in the state of California.
Along with his collegiate coaching, Powell has spent the last nine years working with the San Jose Earthquakes Regional Academy Center and Academica FC.
Thanks to his work in the classroom and on the pitch, Powell was named the 2010-11 Cal State Stanislaus Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He was a three time member of the CCAA All-Academic team.
Graduating with honors in 2011, Coach Powell earned a degree in business administration with a double concentration in human resources and marketing along with a minor in communication studies.
Coach Powell and his wife, Megan, have a daughter named Harper Jane. After moving to Arizona, the Powells plan to attend Christ's Church of the Valley.
