Women's Soccer Head Coach

Jeffrey Penzone, Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer team, brings over 30 years of coaching experience and a profound sense of purpose to his role. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University (ASU) and a Master of Arts in Leadership from Ottawa University, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to lead and inspire young athletes. Coach Penzone views coaching as his God-given calling, driven by a passion for helping young people discover their love for soccer while learning valuable life lessons through sport. He considers it an absolute blessing to pour into his players, a privilege he is thankful for daily. His journey to Nelson University aligns with his commitment to fostering personal and spiritual growth in athletes, using soccer as a platform to teach resilience and faith. His coaching philosophy centers on building a Christ-centered environment, emphasizing trust in God’s plan through every outcomel, whether good, bad, or indifferent. By fostering individual relationships with players and discussing Christ’s role in their lives, Coach Penzone helps them grow to reflect His character both on and off the field. With a distinguished coaching career spanning college and high school levels, Coach Penzone has led both men’s and women’s teams across all levels of the game. His 27 years at the high school level include a remarkable tenure at Northwest Christian School, where he led teams to six Arizona state championships (three boys, three girls), two state runner-up finishes (boys), and 14 regional championships. He has been honored as Arizona State Coach of the Year six times by the AIA and as the 2019 Section 7 Girls’ Coach of the Year by the NFHS. His coaching record reflects his success: specifically an impressive 340-122-9 at the high school level. As Head Coach of Nelson University’s women’s soccer team, Coach Penzone continues to inspire his players, guiding them toward excellence in soccer and a deeper relationship with Christ.