John Hawks serves as the head women’s soccer coach at Central Washington University, bringing a strong background in collegiate coaching and player development within the Great Northern Athletic Conference (GNAC). He joined the Wildcats’ coaching staff in 2024 after a successful stint at Northwest Nazarene University, where he spent five seasons progressing from assistant coach to associate head coach and ultimately interim head coach. During his time at Northwest Nazarene, Hawks played a key role in developing competitive squads and guiding the program to a solid conference standing, including a 2023 season that finished with a balanced overall record and a mid-table GNAC placement.
Prior to his tenure at Northwest Nazarene, Hawks gained valuable experience at the University of Missouri, where he contributed as a volunteer assistant coach and later as director of operations for the women’s soccer program. His early career also included coaching at the high school level and serving as a certified soccer referee, reflecting a well-rounded understanding of the game from multiple perspectives. At Central Washington, Hawks initially joined as an assistant before stepping into a leadership role, eventually being elevated to head coach. Known for his tactical insight and defensive organization, he has built a reputation as a thoughtful and detail-oriented coach committed to student-athlete development both on and off the field.
