Plainview – Wayland Baptist Athletics is thrilled to announce the hiring of Alex Castaneda as the Head Coach of the Pioneer Women's Soccer program.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Castaneda takes over the women's soccer program after serving as the Assistant Coach for the Pioneer Men's Soccer team for the past two seasons.
"It's an honor and a privilege to lead the Pioneers as the next Head Coach for the Women's Soccer Program," says Castaneda. "I want to thank Coach Posey for all the hard-work he has done for this program and Coach Giacomazzi for his confidence in my vision to make this a top program."
"We couldn't be more thrilled to bring Alex on as the next Head Coach of our Women's Soccer program," says Wayland Baptist Director of Athletics Jim Giacomazzi. "Alex has shown in his two years as an assistant with our Men's Soccer team that he's ready to take the next step in his career."
Coach Giacomazzi continued, "Alex knows what the Wayland Baptist standard and expectations are, and with his experience recruiting and developing talent, we believe he is destined to do great things in this position."
Alex Castaneda joined the Wayland Baptist men's soccer staff as assistant coach in the summer of 2023.
During the two seasons as the Assistant Coach Castaneda has helped produce a 19-14-9 record, including 7-7-4 in Sooner Athletic Conference. Helping the program reach the conference semifinals for the first time since 2019.
Castaneda has helped lead the Goalkeepers the past two seasons at Wayland. Including a First Team All-Conference Goalkeeper in 2024.
Castaneda has helped develop All-Conference players as well as an NCCAA First Team All-American.
Castaneda has helped lead the program to two NCCAA Central Region Championships and Two NCCAA National Tournament Appearances.
Castaneda worked the 2022 season as assistant coach at Lyon College (Ark.) where he served as varsity goalkeeper coach and head coach for the men's JV team. Prior to that he served as a volunteer coach for men's and women's soccer at his alma mater, Eastern Illinois University, an assistant coach at Charleston High School in Illinois, and head coach of Eastern Illinois Football Club.
Castaneda also has served as athletic director of team sports at Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods Camp. He also coached at a youth academy and high school soccer camp.
Castaneda earned his Bachelor of Science degree in recreation administration from EIU in 2020 and his Master of Science in Sports Administration from EIU in 2022.
Castaneda holds a USSF Coaching License.
"I look forward to getting to work and building my team for the Fall of 2025," says Castaneda.
