Jesse Olivas joined the La Sierra University Athletic Department as the Men’s Associate Head Soccer Coach in 2008 alongside program founder and Head Coach, John Munoz. The following year, Olivas took over the reigns as Head Coach. Additionally, Olivas has been assisting the women’s program since its inaugural season in 2016.
In 2017, Olivas led the Golden Eagles to an overall record of 12-7 (most wins in school history), top three finish in the Cal Pac standings (record 9-2) and qualification to the quarterfinals of the Cal Pac Tournament. On the women’s side, Olivas assisted the Golden Eagles to the most wins in its program history (13-5), a top four Cal Pac finish and a spot in the semifinals of the Cal Pac Championship Tournament.
In prior years, Olivas led the Golden Eagles in reaching the Association of Independent Institutions Semifinal (2011), Cal Pac Final (2013) and a Top 25 national ranking. Olivas and his coaching staff have also been instrumental in the development of several student-athletes who received Cal Pac honors, including more than 30 “All Conference” Players, eight Scholar-Athletes, four Riverside Hall of Fame Honorees and “New Comer of the Year” (Mingyu Wee, 2015).
Before joining the Golden Eagles, Olivas served as the Assistant Men's and Women's Soccer Coach for his alma mater, the University of the Southwest (Hobbs, N.M.), where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology (2005). Olivas helped lead the Mustangs to three straight Conference Tournaments and one National Tournament respectively (2006). As a student-athlete, Olivas captained the Mustangs to their first playoff appearance in school history. He also received a number of awards including, Red River All-Conference Accolades and an All-American Honorable Mention.
Olivas is also active in the community, starting a reading project called, “Reading with the Golden Eagles,” where he and the team visit local elementary schools to encourage a love for reading.
Olivas resides in the Inland Empire with his spouse, Emily.
“Being part of the program and working with Coach Jesse, I learned to value the opportunity to represent my school and my team. He helped me develop into a leader on and off the field by challenging me beyond my comfort levels. Coach Jesse provided the motivation and faith necessary for me to meet the highest of expectations in order to succeed.” – Luis Escamilla, Men’s Soccer (2008-2012)
