Emmanuel University is excited to welcome Ignacio Masis to the Lions Family as the Assistant Coach for Women's Soccer.

Originally from Costa Rica, Masis brings more than eight years of coaching experience, an extensive background in soccer development and video analysis, and a passion for helping student athletes reach their full potential.

Masis moved to Atlanta, Georgia, six years ago after growing up in Costa Rica, where his love for soccer began. As a player he primarily competed as a center back and defensive midfielder. He played high school soccer at LPDV in Costa Rica before continuing his playing career at EULD. He also had the opportunity to play college soccer in Spain while completing his master's degree.

His experiences as a player eventually sparked an interest in the tactical and analytical side of the game. Masis became increasingly interested in how coaches can use tactics, video analysis, and player development to help athletes improve both on and off the field.  That passion ultimately led him to pursue coaching as a career.

Masis began his coaching career at B1 Soccer Academy in Barcelona, Spain, where he

worked as a video analyst and assistant coach. He later returned to Costa Rica and joined the youth teams at Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, one of the country's biggest clubs. During his time there, he worked as an assistant coach and video analyst and was fortunate to be part of three national championship teams at the U20, U17, and U15 levels.

He later became the head coach of Potros FC in the UPSL Georgia Division, where he led the team to a Georgia Division Championship and was named Coach of the Year. 

Masis then worked as a video analyst with Escorpiones de Belen, a team competing in Costa Rica's second division, where the team finished as runners-up.

As he begins his journey with Emmanuel University, Masis is looking forward to becoming part of the Lions family and working closely with the players and coaching staff.

"I'm most excited about the opportunity to work with the players and be part of the Lions

family," Masis said. "I'm looking forward to helping the players continue developing as soccer players, competing at a high level, and creating a strong team culture built around discipline, accountability, and a commitment to improvement."

Masis is also excited about the opportunity to learn from the Emmanuel coaching staff while bringing his own experience in coaching, tactics, and video analysis, to the program.

Welcome to the Lions Den, Ignacio!