SEATTLE – Kevin Sakuda, who worked as a volunteer coach the last two seasons, has been promoted to the top assistant coach on the Seattle Pacific University women's soccer staff, Head Coach Arby Busey announced.
 
A seven-year professional player in the United Soccer League (USL) and Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), Sakuda coached the last six years in the local club circuit with the Washington Rush. He joined the SPU staff in 2015, volunteering his time in addition to club duties.
 
"Kevin will now have even more influence within our women's soccer program as he is moved into a full-time position," Busey said. "He has proven to be an amazing resource already, as a volunteer assistant the past couple years, but now to have him be available to influence all of us on a daily basis is a blessing.
 
"He has a very keen eye for the game, which will prove beneficial in all facets of our program. Adding a great deal of tactical insight to our coaching staff, providing information for our current student-athletes and helping to identify future Falcons in our recruiting process, his soccer acumen will be extremely valuable."
 
The Falcons participated in the NCAA Division II Tournament in both of Sakuda's seasons as a volunteer, advancing to the West Regional semifinal in 2015. He helped guide SPU to an 11-5-4 record last season.
 
"With all his soccer knowledge, and the amazing ability to communicate that knowledge, Kevin will continue to be a great resource for all of us," said Busey. "But all of his attributes soccer-wise pale into comparison to his human qualities. He is a great role model of humility, compassion, and grace and will provide inspiration for those of us fortunate to be in the Falcons women's soccer family."

 
A product of Mission San Jose (Calif.) High School, Sakuda lettered three years on the Duke University men's soccer squad before graduating in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and markets.
 
He was selected by San Jose in the third round, the 39th pick overall, of the 2002 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft.
 
Sakuda came to Seattle and made 148 appearances as a defender with the Sounders of the USL from 2003-08. He played with the Montreal Impact in 2009 and the Austin Aztex in 2009-10.
 
He played 70 games, from 2002-05, with the San Diego Sockers of the MISL.
 
Sakuda, 37, has served as the director of coaching girls for Washington Rush since 2011. He assumes the Seattle Pacific's top assistant coaching position in place of Vanessa Valentine. She was hired in February as an assistant coach on the Oregon State women's soccer staff after serving one season at SPU.
 
The Falcons women begin training in August to prepare for their season-opening game on Aug. 31. They host Chico State at 4:30 p.m. non-conference game at Interbay Stadium.