ROCKFORD, Ill.—Rock Valley College has named Eddie Garza as the new Head Men's Soccer Coach and Sports Coordinator, succeeding Tim Romanello, who recently stepped down to accept an NCAA Division I coaching position at Purdue-Fort Wayne. Bringing over a decade of elite collegiate and club coaching experience, Garza will guide the Golden Eagles in the NJCAA and oversee broader athletic operations in compliance.

"We are thrilled to welcome Eddie Garza to the Rock Valley College family," RVC Athletic Director Darin Monroe said. "Eddie has an outstanding track record of developing student-athletes and a profound familiarity with our local soccer community. His tactical expertise, strong recruiting network, and alignment with our vision make him the perfect leader to elevate our men's soccer program to new heights in the NJCAA."

Garza arrives at Rock Valley College after serving as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Concordia University Chicago. Prior to that, he spent five seasons on the NCAA Division I women's soccer staff at Northern Illinois University (NIU), climbing the ranks to Associate Head Coach in 2021. This past summer, Garza also served as the Head Coach for the Rockford Raptors USL-W team and as an Assistant Coach for the USL-2 squad.

"I want to thank Athletic Director Darin Monroe for this incredible opportunity to lead the men's soccer program," Garza said. "Rockford is my hometown, it holds a very special place in my heart, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to give back to a community that has given so much to me. I am excited to begin working with this talented group of players. Our goal is to build a program that competes at the national level while developing young men of high character. We want to prepare them to excel here and ensure they are ready to make a major impact at their next program, both on the field and in the classroom."

Previously, Garza was named the 2015 Coach of the Year at Ashford University. Prior to taking over the women's program at Ashford, Garza served as an assistant coach for the men's team at the university from 2010 through 2015. During his time with the men's program, Garza helped guide Ashford to four NAIA national tournament appearances, which included three Round of 16 appearances and a semifinalist finish in 2013. His experience also includes serving as the Youth Academy Director for the Rockford Raptors and work with the Illinois ODP.

Garza holds a USSF National "B" License and earned both his bachelor's and master's degree from Ashford University.

For more information on the men's soccer schedule and Golden Eagles athletics, visit Rock Valley College Athletics.