7/10/25
 
SCRANTON, Pa. – The Lackawanna College Athletics Department is pleased to announce that Juan Almonte has been hired as the next head coach for Lackawanna College women's soccer, ahead of the 2025 women's soccer season.
 
"Coach Almonte stood out because of his unique combination of high-level coaching education, tactical expertise, and genuine commitment to player development," said Erik Larson, Director of Athletics at Lackawanna College. "His ability to connect with student-athletes, while bringing structure and vision to a program, made him a clear choice to lead our women's soccer team into its next chapter."
 
Almonte has international coaching credentials, earning his FAW/UEFA C-Certificate last summer, and working towards his UEFA B-License. He also has a professional diploma in football coaching and a certification in Football Tactical Analytics, both from Barca Innovation Hub at FC Barcelona in Spain.
 
"I'm incredibly excited and honored to join Lackawanna College as the head coach for women's soccer," said Almonte, who is also a senior pastor with the International Ministry Emanuel. "From the moment I learned about the position, I saw it as an opportunity to be a part of something special. Lackawanna has a strong foundation and a growing reputation for academic and athletic development, and I'm thrilled to help take the women's soccer program to the next level."
 
Almonte is a familiar name in local collegiate soccer circles, serving in volunteer assistant roles over the last year with both Marywood University and East Stroudsburg University. Most recently, Almonte helped the Warriors through their Spring 2025 off-season schedule, providing analytics and tracking data to better help the student-athletes.
 
Before his time in collegiate athletics, Almonte spent time as the head boys soccer coach at East Stroudsburg South HS for two years, after serving as an assistant coach for one season prior.
 
"Beyond the tactical and technical (aspects), I see coaching as a platform to shape better people, not just better players," said Almonte. "My focus is on building a positive, healthy culture where student-athletes feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow both on and off the field. I'm committed to building a team culture based on accountability and respect that fits with the mission of Lackawanna College."
 
Almonte inherits a Lackawanna College women's soccer program that went 2-5-0 last season where the Falcons managed to get to the Region XIX DII playoffs, where they fell in the semi-final round.
 
He also joins the program at an important moment in Lackawanna College history. Last month, Lackawanna College announced that it has received an invitation to join the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and compete as an NCAA Division II member. Lackawanna will pursue NCAA membership and that membership in the PSAC. Details are HERE.
 
Naturally, this provides a unique opportunity for both the program and Almonte to truly transform the program.
 
"In a time of transition, coach Almonte brings exactly what this program needs – leadership, clarity, and a player-first approach," said Larson. "His experience with advanced game analysis, individualized training, and culture-building will not only stabilize the program, but elevate it, giving our student-athletes the tools and confidence to compete at the highest level."
 
"I see a great opportunity to build something special," said Almonte. "My vision is to create a competitive, healthy program where student-athletes are supported in every area, on the field, in the classroom, and in life. I want Lackawanna women's soccer to be known for its culture, its work ethic, and its commitment to developing leaders.
 
"I can't wait to get started and build something our players, alumni, and college community can be proud of."