Head Coach
Dr. David Santesteban, Ph.D.
Fresno State (1990), University of New Mexico (2007)
Overall record: 96-21-12 (six seasons)
Phone: (281) 922-3475
Fax: (281) 922-3448
david.santesteban@sjcd.edu
Head coach David Santesteban is entering his seventh season at the helm of the San Jacinto College soccer program. Santeteban has built San Jac in to not only a well-known name in the soccer community, but a powerhouse in the junior college ranks.
A four-time Region XIV and Mid-Southwest District coach of the year, Santesteban has led his San Jacinto College teams to the Region XIV championship in five of his six years as head coach. The 2007 and 2008 seasons resulted in consecutive Mid-South District championships culminating in trips to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national tournament, a tournament that is quickly becoming “home” to San Jac soccer.
The 2008 season was the most successful in San Jac men’s soccer history. Santesteban’s team finished as the national runner up after plowing through the competition in the first two rounds of the national championship. Three players were named NJCAA and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Americans, and five others earned national recognition. Kieron Bernard, the team’s defensive MVP, signed a professional contract with the Austin Aztex FC.
In 2004 and 2005, San Jac won the Mid-South District champions and went on to respective third and fourth place finishes at the NJCAA tournament. For his efforts, Santesteban was named the Mid-South District coach of the year both seasons, and the team was honored with the Sportsmanship Award at the 2004 national championship.
Off the field, Santesteban’s teams have posted solid academic marks as well. “This is a testimony to the excellent programs at the Student Success Center and the overall support of our faculty, staff and administration,” said Santesteban. “San Jacinto College is an excellent institution to begin the academic process.”
Along those lines, Santesteban feels a dedication to his players in and out of the classroom. “First and foremost, we want to help develop the student-athletes who come to San Jacinto College with the desire to use our path as a stepping stone to a four-year degree,” he said. “To see these young players come into the program, mature as young men and eventually get a degree is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of my coaching role. While we strive for excellence and set our goals on the national tournament each year, earning a solid education is far more valuable than any championship.”
Prior to coming to San Jacinto College, Santesteban was the head coach at Southwest Oregon Community College from 2000 to 2003, where the Lakers boasted an overall mark of 33-22-10 and made two playoff appearances.
From 1996 to 1999 Santesteban was the assistant coach at the University of New Mexico where he helped the Lobos earn its first-ever NCAA Division I top-20 rankings.
As a player, Santesteban was a member of the nationally ranked Fresno State Bulldogs (1989-1990). During his career, Fresno State advanced to two Big West Championship title games, and made two NCAA playoff appearances. He also played for Fresno City College, where he was awarded all-conference first-team honors in two consecutive seasons (1987-1988). His professional experience includes the San Francisco Bay Diablos and Santa Cruz Surf of the USISL. He was also a member of the semi-professional San Jose Oaks (National Open Cup Champion). From 1996-1997, Santesteban trained with Club Atletico Osasuna of the Spanish second division in Pamplona, Spain, and also worked in the front office under the director of the soccer school, Manolo Los Arcos Zaratiegui.
In 2007, Santesteban earned his doctorate degree in sports administration from the University of New Mexico. He also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education from Fresno State University.
Santesteban and his wife, Michelle, reside in Houston with their three daughters Gabriele, Mikaela and Eliana.
