James Garces joined the Gonzaga University men’s soccer staff as an assistant coach under head coach Chris McGaughey, bringing a strong background in Division I and elite youth development. Prior to Gonzaga, Garces served as head coach of the Real Salt Lake Arizona MLS NEXT U16 Academy team, where he worked with top youth talent in a highly competitive development environment. His experience also includes a season at Grand Canyon University, where he helped guide the program to notable success, including a landmark victory over a top-ranked opponent and multiple postseason conference honors for players.
Before his time at Grand Canyon, Garces spent eight seasons at CSU Bakersfield, his alma mater, where he rose from assistant coach to associate head coach. During his tenure, he contributed to the program’s growth and helped develop competitive teams at the Division I level. As a player, Garces was a four-year defender at CSU Bakersfield and played a key role in the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in public administration from CSU Bakersfield. Known for his recruiting, player development, and leadership skills, Garces adds valuable experience to Gonzaga’s coaching staff.
