by Taylor Cotie

The Greensboro College athletic program has announced the hiring of the new head coach for the men’s soccer team, Jacob Weinshank. Coach Weinshank joins Greensboro College after his most recent tenure at Bowling Green State University as an assistant coach. Before his coaching job at Bowling Green State University, Weinshank held a previous assistant coach position at the University of North Florida. With his extensive experience coaching at higher-level programs, Coach Weinshank is eager to bring his knowledge and skills to Greensboro College. After several years of coaching at Division I programs, The Collegian asked Coach Weinshank what drew him to the Greensboro College men’s soccer program. Weinshank responded, “The soccer program has storied history, including a Division III national championship appearance, and great reputation within the college soccer community. I was excited at the prospect of having the opportunity to be the next steward of the program and help lead it forward. Additionally, I have roots in North Carolina, having attended high school in the state, and I was thrilled to return to a place that I love and called home.” 

Reflecting on his time at Division I programs, Coach Weinshank shared how his coaching experience prepared him for the head coaching role for the GC men’s soccer team. “It was a time in my career where I had experienced so much in college soccer that I felt prepared to lead my own program. In nearly a decade of coaching at the Division I level, I was very fortunate to have been surrounded by great coaches and mentors that helped develop me as a leader, tactician and recruiter. I have also worked with great players who were leaders that helped develop my perspectives on the game and how to build genuine relationships. Additionally, I was a Division III athlete myself and started my coaching career in Division III, and I believe strongly in the Division III model that balances academics and athletics so brilliantly. That experience prepared me for the unique challenges and opportunities in Division III,” Weinshank said. 

Despite the men’s soccer team’s challenging 2024 season, there is hope that Coach Weinshank can guide the program to future success. When asked what goals he has for the team in the fall, he replied, “My main goal in coaching is to help develop men of character that will succeed in life after they graduate. With that being said, I will be focused heavily on team culture and developing a style of play so that we can have an on the field product that the college can be proud of. I know that the outcome of these focuses will be more wins on the field but right now I am heavily invested in the process and development for the fall.” 

Although he has only been in the Greensboro area for a short period, The Collegian asked Coach Weinshank what his favorite spots are in Greensboro so far. Weinshank said, “It is still early in my first month here to have go-to-spots but so far, I have had the opportunity to go on several trail walks with my wife and child and have had some really good food in Greensboro. Greensboro is a great community with friendly people, beautiful surroundings and a lot to do. I look forward to finding my favorite spots in the months and years ahead.” 

The Collegian also had the chance to speak with Leonardo Cardona, a Junior on the men’s soccer team. When asked what his thoughts are on the hiring of Coach Weinshank as the new head coach of the program, he replied, “I am really excited about the hiring of Coach Weinshank. While it is always tough to see a previous coach move on, I think our new coach brings a fresh perspective and a lot of energy to the team. Even though he has only been with us for a short time now, he is dedicated to the success of the program and he seems very passionate. He has already built a positive relationship with the players and everyone is feeling pumped and motivated by the direction he is leading us in. His focus on building a strong and cohesive team and his commitment on recruiting new players is really encouraging. It has been great to see how hard he is working both on and off the field and I am confident that we are heading in the right direction under his leadership.” 

The men’s soccer team will be losing eight of their seniors in the fall, who all have played a crucial role in shaping the program. When asking Cardona how he thinks the program will change with several seniors graduating and with a new head coach, he said, “Losing our seniors is going to be a big change for the team since they have been such a big part of the program’s foundation and leadership. They will be deeply missed, and it is always tough to say goodbye to players who have contributed so much. However, I believe the program will continue to grow stronger as we take on a new generation of players. Coach Weinshank has been working hard on recruiting talented individuals who will help fill the gaps left by the seniors and continue to push the team forward. While there will be some adjustments as we welcome these new players, the overall energy and focus the coach has brought to the team gives me confidence that we will adapt and continue to improve. I think the program is heading into an exciting new chapter and we are all looking forward to the opportunity to build on the legacy of our seniors while developing a new and upcoming team.” 

With Coach Weinshank stepping into the role as the head men’s soccer coach, the future of the program looks assured for success. Greensboro College is excited to welcome Coach Weinshank to the athletic program and wishes him all the best in his new position.