University Park, Pa. — Penn State men's soccer head coach Barry Gorman has announced the addition of Isang Jacob as an assistant to his staff. Jacob will oversee recruiting, the conditioning program, and NCAA compliance matters.
"Isang Jacob is an experienced coach with a tremendous understanding of the youth game in this country," said Gorman, who is entering his 22nd year at Penn State. "His outlook on coaching is refreshing and he brings tremendous enthusiasm and passion to everything he does. I am delighted Isang has decided to join our staff and know he will be a great asset on and off the field."
"I am honored to be working with coach Barry Gorman, a world renowned teacher of the game, and the Penn State men's soccer program," said Jacob. "I am also looking forward to the opportunity to work with the fine young men on the team and to be a part of the great traditions of Penn State University."
Jacob comes to Penn State after 16 years of distinguished service at the state, regional, national, and international club levels. Most recently, while making his home in the Indianapolis, Ind. area, he served as the head coach of the Indy Burn '90 Eagles (2002-09), leading them to seven consecutive US Youth Soccer Indiana State Championships. In 2008, all 19 of his players earned athletic and academic to play collegiate soccer, 17 at the Division I level. In honor of his dedication to building solid citizens as well as standout soccer players, Jacob was recognized as 2008 Youth Soccer adidas Competitive Coach of the Year for Boys.
Active in all areas and at various levels of soccer, Jacob has held numerous positions during his professional career, including head coach of the U-16 USSF Men's Academy, Carmel United Soccer Club (2008-09), director and owner of the Screaming Eagles Soccer Camp (1995-2009), NSCAA State Technical Coordinator (2005-2009), Coaching Education Staff Instructor for the IYSA, USSF, and NSCAA (1997-present), Region II Boys ODP Staff Coach (2001-2009), NSCAA Associate National Staff Instructor (2002-present), head coach of the Indiana Olympic Development Program (1998-2008), and Director of Coaching of the Indy Burn of the Pike Youth Soccer Club (2003-2007).
A tireless teacher of the game of soccer and highly sought after clinician, Jacob has coached at summer camps at some of the nation's most prestigious universities including Penn State, Indiana, Notre Dame, and West Virginia. Jacob gained coaching experience at the collegiate level when he served as the head men's assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at IUPUI from 1995-2002. He also served as a high school head coach, guiding the Warren Central H.S. (Indianapolis) program from 2003-08.
As a player at Indiana Wesleyan University, Jacob was a three-time All-MCC selection (1989-1991) and a two-time NCCAA All-American (1989-1990). After graduation, he was invited to train with the Nigerian Senior National Team.
Jacob played at the professional level with the Houston Force of the APSL (1993-95) and with the Indiana Blast of the USL (1997-98).
A native of Lagos, Nigeria, Jacob possesses a bachelor's degree in criminal justice (1992) from Indiana Wesleyan and a Master of Social Work (1997) from Indiana University.
Jacob holds a National Soccer Coaches Association of America Premier Coaching Diploma, the highest achievement of the NSCAA, a USSF A and National Youth License, NSCAA Goalkeeper 1 and 2 accreditation, and a Royal Netherlands Football Association Dutch International Youth Coaching Football License.