Iowa Lakes Community College is pleased to announce the hiring of Mukwa Ogitchida as the new Head Women’s Soccer Coach. With a diverse and impactful career that spans leadership in the restaurant industry, education, and competitive coaching, Ogitchida brings a unique and inspiring background to Laker Athletics.

“We are excited to have Coach Ogitchida as our head women’s soccer coach,” said Troy Larson, Dean of Students and Athletics at Iowa Lakes. “Coach has a good soccer background as a longtime successful high school and club coach. He has a great way of communicating with student-athletes and coaching them up. Looking forward to more successful soccer at Iowa Lakes.”

Ogitchida comes to Iowa Lakes at the beginning of his third career. After raising six successful children and becoming an empty-nester, he is channeling his passion and energy into building the Laker women’s soccer program.

His professional career began in restaurant management, leading large teams in locations across the Midwest, including Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. There, he sharpened his leadership, systems development, and team management skills. Transitioning into education, Ogitchida served as an intervention specialist and classroom teacher, gaining a deep understanding of how people learn and how to support growth through intentional feedback and mentorship.

His coaching resume includes head coaching experience at St. Paul Harding High School and roles with respected club programs such as Sting Soccer, REV Soccer, and Salvo Soccer. He has led teams to three high school section finals, one state tournament appearance—the first in that school’s history—and multiple club state tournament finishes, including one championship. He holds a USSF D License and has 18 years of NFHS certification, along with five years of SafeSport training.

Ogitchida’s mission is clear: “I want to help young people find out who they are through participation in the world’s game. When they learn how to be champions on the field, that sets them apart and prepares them to be champions in the world.”