The Cal State Stanislaus men’s soccer program continued its summer overhaul by announcing the addition of another experienced coach to the staff in
Paul Lekics.
“I’m excited to have Paul join the staff here at Cal State Stanislaus,” new men’s soccer head coach Dana Taylor said. “He brings a wealth of experience as a player and coach to the game.”
Lekics’ soccer familiarity runs deep, having played at the NCAA Division I level and professional level, as well as training with top European teams during his career and playing on the US Under-23 team, from which the US Olympic team is formed.
“I bring my experience at not only the college level (and) professional level, but the international level,” Lekics said. “There is nothing a player can ask me or tell me that I can’t help them with.”
Lekics played as a defensive midfielder at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., from 1992-96. Lekics, a four-year starter, and the Bluejays made the NCAA Tournament all four years he was at the school, and the team has continued to make the tournament since, having qualified for the tournament 17 consecutive years since ‘92.
“Paul understands those types of players that we are recruiting here at Cal State Stanislaus,” Taylor said. “Paul has the professionalism needed and the passion necessary.”
During college Lekics trained with a Division I German team over the summer, and after graduating, he trained in England with West Hamm United and South Hampton United, both being members of the Premier League, one of the world’s most competitive professional soccer leagues.
Lekics spent time with the Under-23 US national team, which works as the Olympic development team for the United States. He participated in two Olympic sports festivals in 1994 and ’95, and had the opportunity to play in numerous international matches.
He was drafted by the Richmond Kickers, an A-League team of the USL, and played professionally there for eight years. As part of team policy, Lekics coached club teams when he was not on the pitch playing, amounting to six years of coaching experience during his Richmond years.
“I see the game through the player’s eyes and the coach’s eyes,” said Lekics. “We’re excited for the opportunity to enhance this program. We want to point it in the right direction.”
A first-generation American, Lekics learned about the game of soccer from his Hungarian father, who played club soccer in Hungary. His mother is from Yugoslavia.
“He’s one of the most fierce competitors I’ve seen play the game,” Taylor said. “That will carry over into developing our current players and future players.”