Jacksonville University men's soccer has appointed Ivan Barriga as an assistant coach under head coach Ali Simmons. Barriga previously spent seven years at Barry University, where he contributed to the team鈥檚 national success, including their first national championship in 2018. His coaching career at Barry culminated as associate head coach, where he oversaw training, scouting, and recruiting, while helping secure consecutive Sunshine State Conference titles in 2022 and 2023.

By the Numbers
  • Barriga contributed to Barry University winning back-to-back Sunshine State Conference regular-season championships in 2022 and 2023.
  • Barry advanced to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 in 2023, finishing with a 13-5-1 record and a No. 11 national ranking.
Yes, But

While Barriga's addition is seen as a positive step for Jacksonville's program, there's pressure on him to replicate the same level of success he experienced at Barry, which may present its own set of challenges.

State of Play
  • Jacksonville's soccer program seeks to enhance its competitive edge in the upcoming season with Barriga's expertise.
  • Barriga's successful track record, including his previous championships and awards, sets high expectations for his role at Jacksonville.
What's Next

With Barriga on the staff, Jacksonville University aims to bolster its recruiting efforts and training methodologies, potentially leading to improved performance in upcoming seasons. Fans will be watching closely to see if this new leadership translates into tangible success on the field.

Bottom Line

Ivan Barriga's onboarding represents a significant move for Jacksonville's men's soccer program, as his proven coaching pedigree and championship experience could catalyze a new era of success for the Dolphins.