PORT ORCHARD, WA—Port Orchard Football Club is proud to announce the hiring of Joshua Coetzee as Assistant Head Coach for the 2026 season. Coetzee will assist Head Coach Max Sampson at the April 12 Open Tryout and throughout the year.
Coetzee and Sampson have experience together with the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Clippers in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC.) Joshua was an Assistant Coach under Sampson last season. Coetzee’s Clippers connections date back even longer. Joshua came to the United States from South Africa to play soccer at SPSCC.
Years Of Playing Experience In The EPLWA
Joshua will be an important source of information for POFC Head Coach Sampson. Coetzee has played the last three seasons as a defender in the Evergreen Premier League (EPLWA) with FC Olympia. He knows the league’s best players, top teams and overall challenges. He will be a valuable asset on the sidelines as POFC enters its first season in the EPLWA.
“Josh is an experienced EPLWA player, has captained SPSCC, and has the character to lead players,” says POFC Head Coach Max Sampson. “Not only do players follow him, but they enjoy working with him because he cares for people and approaches challenges with enthusiasm. I think Josh has all the makings of a future head coach in the northwest region, and am thankful I get to share the touchline with him this summer at PO.”
The Evergreen State College
Coetzee has played alongside POFC midfielder Kolby Juarez when the two were at The Evergreen State College. Joshua graduated as a Geoduck and remains in the Olympia area. His LinkedIn page documents major accomplishments such as Student Body President (SPSCC), and multiple high level student positions at The Evergreen State College.
Joshua was honored with the Dig Deep award as a senior. In the announcement it was said of Coetzee: “He was recognized on the soccer team for his exceptional leadership and unwavering friendship. He led the team by example through his hard work, skill, and determination.”
A Leader With Roots In South Africa
“Coming from South Africa (Durban), I have had to take many risks and overcome challenges along the way,” Joshua says. “These experiences have shaped my perspective and resilience, which I bring into my coaching. I aim to use my playing experience and knowledge to support player development and help guide them on their journey, contributing to POFC’s success in the EPLWA and beyond.”
General Manager Sam Ironside Comments On Coetzee Signing
“Joshua’s approach, understanding of the game, and clear vision for the role stood out in his interview and make me very excited to bring him on board this summer,” says POFC General Manager Sam Ironside. “He brings strong playing experience along with recent familiarity with EPLWA and our upcoming opponents, which will be a valuable asset for POFC. He’s also fully aligned with the direction of the club and brings a perspective that can help move us forward.”
Up Next: Schedule and Open Tryout
Port Orchard Football Club recently participated in an Evergreen Premier League online meeting where initial details of the 2026 season began to be hammered out. The club expects to have a final league alignment and season framework soon and then begin to develop the match schedule.
POFC’s one-day open tryout will be held on Sunday April 12 at 10 AM at South Kitsap High School.
