Walla Walla CC's Chad Bodnar named new EWU soccer coach

Having turned Walla Walla Community College into a regional powerhouse, Chad Bodnar has been tabbed as the third head coach in the history of the Eastern Washington women's soccer program, EWU Athletic DirectorBill Chaves announced Monday, Dec. 23.

Bodnar replaces 14-year head coach George Hageage, who stepped down at the conclusion of last season.

"We are excited to have coach Bodnar join our Eagle family," Chaves said. "Chad's record and accomplishments at Walla Walla over the past 10 years have been tremendously impressive.

As the head coach of Walla Walla CC's women's soccer program for the last 10 seasons, Bodnar has directed the Warriors to a 210-15-11 record in that span, winning three Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges championships and nine East Region titles.

"His familiarity with the state of Washington and the Northwest region was quite attractive to us knowing that it will allow him to hit the ground sprinting in recruiting," Chaves said.

Under Bodnar, the Warriors reeled off unbeaten streaks of 26 matches and 24 matches, respectively, during his tenure with the program. Walla Walla CC never lost more than five matches in a single season under Bodnar, winning at least 20 matches in eight of his 10 seasons.

The Warriors went undefeated for the first time in program history in 2010, finishing with a 20-0-2 mark en route to its second consecutive NWAACC title. They followed that up with another unbeaten mark in 2011, winning their third straight conference championship with a record of 23-0-1.

Walla Walla CC has appeared in the NWAACC Tournament championship game in nine of Bodnar's 10 years at the helm. He was named the East Region Coach of the Year five times and received NWAACC Coach of the Year honors three times.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity of developing a winning tradition at Eastern Washington," Bodnar said. "It all starts with recruiting, and I think the Cheney and Spokane area has a lot to offer."

At the end of the day, our goal is to become competitive as quickly as possible, and I will begin pursuing the best players in the region right away."

Bodnar has also served as the head coach of Walla Walla CC's men's soccer program, placing over 30 players combined into NCAA Division I schools during his time. Seven of his former players finished their collegiate careers at Eastern, four of which earned All-Big Sky honors. As head of the Warriors' men's program, Bodnar led Walla Walla CC to its first-ever NWAACC title in 2008 and was the East Region champion last year.

Since 20007, Bodnar has been the director of the Three Rivers Soccer Club in 2007, leading the club to unpredented success and a membership into the Regional Club League. 

Bodnar worked as an assistant with Walla Walla CC's women's program during the 2001 season in which the Warriors were NWAACC Tournament finalists. He then joined the Boise Capitals Soccer Club in Idaho as a youth director before rejoining the Warriors in 2003. Bodnar was also the head coach of the Idaho Olympic Development program, organizing and carrying out training sessions and coaching courses.

Prior to his appointment with Walla Walla CC, Bodnar experienced success as the head coach of the Pasco High School boys program in the Big Nine Conference. The Bulldogs qualified for the state tournament during his two seasons and finished the 2005 season as Washington State finalists after winning the East Regional Tournament and Big Nine Conference title. Bodnar received All-Region Coach of the Year honors by the Tri-City Herald following the 2005 campaign.

Bodnar played four years of collegiate soccer at Wisconsin-Green Bay, twice earning Midwest Collegiate Conference honors. Bodnar was a three-year team captain and was the team's MVP following the 1998 season. Upon completion of his eligibility, Bodnar played professionally for the Stanislaus United Cruisers in the Western Conference USSL League in California, as well as for the Yakima Reds in the PDL League in Washington.

Bodnar graduated from Washington State in 2003 with a degree in humanities. He holds a USSF A license and NSCAA Premier Diploma.

He and his wife, Lindsay, have twin daughters, Brodi and Jaxi, and currently reside in Pasco, Wash.