Head Coach – Dan Hicker, 3rd Year

dhicker@pierce.ctc.edu

Coach Hicker enters his third year as head coach for Raider's men's soccer.

Hicker was appointed as head coach for the men's soccer program near the end of the 2005 regular season. Under his leadership the Raiders gained advancement to the quarter finals of post season play for the first time in 10 years. The Raiders have since become a perennial post-season competitor and have gained the recognition of holding some of the leagues top talent. These honors include 3 all-star team selections, 2 all-academic team selections, and a historical 2007 south-western division league MVP.

Having an important impact on the men's soccer program at Pierce, Hicker directs attention toward the success and development of his players.

"A player's development is the focus we bring to this program, both academically and athletically. Soccer is a sport that builds character and skill. A well rounded student-athlete not only brings success to the soccer program here at Pierce College, but it transfers to their success in life and at the next level of education and play."
— Head Coach, Dan Hicker

Hicker, a native from Puyallup, Washington and alumnus of Pierce College played for the Raiders in 2000–2001. He was part of the Raiders squad that qualified for the playoffs in 2000, and in 2002 had a coaching stint serving as an assistant. Hicker moved on to play at Colorado State University-Pueblo in 2003-2005. During this time he was recruited to play in the USL's Premier Development League and in 2006 was invited to play at the USL Men's Player Showcase in Tampa, Florida. He is still actively playing. Hicker is currently the vice president of the South Hill Revolution Soccer Club based in Puyallup, Washington where he is also the head coach of a girls U15 premier squad.

Hicker received his Associates of Arts and Science at Pierce College. He holds a Bachelors of Exercise Science from Colorado State University-Pueblo. Hicker is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist and a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is currently completing a Masters of Science through California University of Pennsylvania and Masters of Education at the University of Washington.

Assistant Coach – Chris Hanson, 1st Year

Goalkeeper Coach/Assistant Coach – Paolo Mottola, 2nd Year

Mottola enters his second year as goalkeeper coach for Raiders Mens Soccer.

Mottolas position as goalkeeper coach will play an important role towards the development of the mens soccer program at Pierce College. Mottola is not a stranger to coaching at the college level with past experience coaching in the NWAACC and in the NAIA. In 2003-2004 Mottola helped the Tacoma Community College womens program reach the NWAACC finals and capture a 1st place finish in division standings. In 2006 he had a stint as the head coach for the womens soccer program at Evergreen State College. Mottola is currently involved with coaching and evaluation at Lakes High School and Curtis High School. He is also currently the Director of Coaching for the South Hill Soccer Club. Mottola holds a USSF A Goalkeeping License.

"I am excited to have Paolo on staff as goalkeeper coach. His addition is another positive step towards building the quality and success of our players. He will add an important dimension to the coaching staff and focus towards the development of our program!" -Head Coach, Dan Hicker

Mottola’s duties as goalkeeper coach include: goalkeeper training and evaluation, technical and tactical review, and recruiting.

Volunteer Assistant – Bill Pearson, 1st Year