NILES, Illinois — The Northridge athletics department has announced Cory Jensen as the next head coach of the Knights varsity soccer team. Former head coach Alvaro Vargas has made the decision to step away from coaching to spend more time with his growing family as they prepare to welcome their fourth child in the next two weeks. Vargas will continue in his teaching role at the school.

For the past two seasons, Jensen has served as the varsity assistant coach under Vargas.

Coach Jensen brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the position. His playing career includes time at St. Mary's University (NCAA DII), the University of Dallas (NCAA DIII), and Cardiff University (UK), where he helped set multiple program records and contributed to Cardiff's promotion to BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) Division 1.

His coaching experience spans NCAA Division III, club, the Olympic Development Program, and the high school level. He has coached at the University of Dallas, where he helped guide the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance and a North Eastern Athletic Conference Championship. Additionally, he has coached at Grayslake Central High School and the Elite Soccer Club of Arlington Heights.

"Beyond his extensive playing and coaching background, Cory fully embraces the role of athletics in the Northridge educational experience," Northridge athletics director Will Rey said. "He understands the power of an athlete's love for the game as a tool for character development. He is committed to fostering an environment where sports serve as a platform for growth, discipline, and lifelong values."

"We are thrilled about this next chapter of Northridge Soccer under Coach Jensen's leadership and deeply grateful to Coach Vargas for his years of dedication to Northridge Athletics."

Coach Jensen met with players in the program Thursday afternoon in his first team meeting at the helm.