Minatta Named Iowa State Assistant Soccer Coach

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State head soccer coach Wendy Dillinger announced the addition of new assistant Tony Minatta Thursday. Minatta (pronounced min-AH-tah) comes to Iowa State after serving as the assistant director of coaching at the Fort Collins (Colo.) Soccer Club since 2005.

During his time with the Fort Collins Soccer Club Minatta oversaw 16 girls teams that ranged from the under-11 to under-19 age groups. The Fort Collins, Colo., native also coordinated his players' efforts to be recruited by college soccer programs and helped nearly 40 players earn spots on NCAA rosters.

Minatta coached three Colorado State Cup championship squads and eight finalists. He led his Under-19 team to the 2011 regional title and a berth in the finals at the national championship that year.

In addition to his vast knowledge at the club level, Minatta brings a wealth of experience coaching for the Colorado Olympic Development Program (ODP). Minatta was the head coach for seven Colorado state girls' teams during his five years as a part of ODP and was a member of the Region 4 coaching staff from 2010-11.

"I am really excited to have Tony onboard," Dillinger said. "His expertise at the highest club level and with ODP will bring a lot to our team. His recruiting connections will also be invaluable to our program."

Minatta earned his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) A License in 2009 and also boasts a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) International Premier Diploma and a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

"I am thrilled to make the transition to the collegiate level," Minatta said. "I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity, and I am looking forward to working with the high-caliber student-athletes that are here and continuing to bring more to Iowa State."

Minatta served in the United States Marine Corps from 1993-1996 where he was a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal and attained the rank of sergeant.  He earned the Navy Achievement Medal for his outstanding leadership during a 1996 overseas deployment.

Minatta is not the only member of his family with soccer expertise, as his father Al is a member of the Colorado Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.

Minatta graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in English.