LIHU‘E — Hawai‘i Pacific University Thursday announced that Chris Fisher has been appointed the new men’s soccer coach. Fisher will take over for Scott Liedtke, who resigned after seven years with the Sea Warriors. “I am very excited for the
LIHU‘E — Hawai‘i Pacific University Thursday announced that Chris Fisher has been appointed the new men’s soccer coach. Fisher will take over for Scott Liedtke, who resigned after seven years with the Sea Warriors.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to lead HPU men’s soccer into the next decade,” said Fisher in a statement. “The program continues to grow and get stronger every year and I hope to keep this tradition going.”
Fisher takes over head coaching duties after three years as the HPU assistant men’s soccer coach. The Sea Warriors went 30-16-5 during that time, and finished second in the Pacific West Conference the last two seasons.
“We feel fortunate to have Chris lead our men’s soccer program,” said Darren Vorderbruegge, HPU Athletics Director. “Our hope is that he will provide continuity and continue the recent success of the program as we strive to win a conference championship.”
Kaua‘i players Chance Bukoski and Ikaika Fuerte, who graduated from Kapa‘a High School in 2008 and 2009, respectively, will be playing for a familiar face as they help lead HPU in its quest to becoming an NCAA powerhouse.
Bukoski finished second in the PacWest conference in goals scored this season, while Fuerte was the conference leader in assists.
In an interview with The Garden Island after Liedtke’s announcement in December, Bukoski noted that he thought the team’s new coach would likely be an in-house hire, with an assistant familiar with the team’s philosophy taking over.
“It’s not going to be a big change to the program,” he said.
Michele Nagamine, who recently finished her second season with the HPU women’s soccer team, is looking forward to working with Fisher. “I am so happy to be working with Chris. He was an integral part of building our men’s program into a PacWest contender and has the support of the players and coaches. Chris understands our culture here at HPU and is well respected in the soccer community. I look forward to writing the next chapter of HPU soccer with him.”
Originally from Pleasanton, Calif., Fisher graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he played four seasons for the men’s soccer team. Fisher then took his game to the professional ranks, playing at FC Borge Pyronis in France, and with the California Jaguars and Chico Rooks of the United Soccer League.
He later finished his career with the Hawai‘i Tsunami in the USISL Pro League. Most recently Fisher coached at Vaiete Soccer Club and Riggers Soccer Club in Hawai‘i.
