Carlos Rubio Elevated to Coaching Staff
The Otters are excited to announce the addition of goalkeeper Carlos Rubio to the coaching staff for the 2020 USL League Two season. Rubio spent the 2019 season splitting time between playing and coaching and will transition into a full-time coaching role this summer.
“We are excited about Carlos taking the first assistant role with the Otters,” says Head Coach David Strickland, “He brings a professional player prospective to the table when we are working with these young athletes. Carlos is very articulate and has a passion for the Otters. I look forward to seeing the impact Carlos has as a full-time coach in our program.”
The Valencia, Spain native first came to the Otters in 2017, leading the goalkeepers in games and goals against average. He returned to Ohio Valley University in the fall for his senior season, leading the Fighting Scots to both the regular season and conference tournament titles before making a run to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. He was named a Second Team All-American and the HERO Sports D-II Goalkeeper and Player of the Year.
Following his illustrious college career, Rubio moved abroad to play professionally with FC Strumska Slava in Bulgaria. Upon his return to the United States, he accepted a position at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC. Rubio currently serves as the goalkeeper coach for both the men’s and women’s programs there.
Rubio returned to the Otters in 2019 in a player-coach role. He cemented his place in Otters history, becoming the career leader in saves, save percentage, and tied for most career wins.
Carlos Rubio on joining the coaching staff: “This will be my third year back as an Otter, and I could not be more excited to be part of the coaching staff that will help lead this program to new heights. The community comes together to create unbelievable experience for players, coaches, and soccer fans. Thank you to the organization for this great opportunity!”
Says GM Lucas Christiansen of the promotion: “Carlos was not only a great player on the field for us, but he did a lot off the field to make our team better. He is someone that a lot of players look up to and will help us continue to show that we are one of the best teams in USL League Two at developing players.”
We are nearing the beginning of the 2020 season and season tickets are now on sale! They can be purchased on HERE or on the HappsNow app. Keep up with everything Otters on our social media pages to make sure that you do not miss out on any of the important updates regarding the team! #FearTheFur
