The Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club announced Thursday it has hired a new Head Coach and Technical Director. Jimmy Obleda will lead the team in its second season of play in the United Soccer League’s League One.
“The transition from an inaugural team to a championship team will be accelerated under Coach Obleda’s direction,” said Sean McDaniel, president and general manager of the Chattanooga Red Wolves. “We look forward to beginning our second season with a renowned and esteemed leader at the helm.”
After playing professionally for eight years in Latin America and the United States, Obleda has had a distinguished career coaching at both the collegiate and competitive youth levels, including recently as Director of Coaching for BOCA Orange County and Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Santiago Canyon College.
Obleda was named Regional Youth Coach of the Year and National Youth Coach of the Year by the NSCAA in 2011. Obleda has coached several players who are now in the professional ranks including Robert Coronado of Houston Dynamo, Adrian Vera of Los Angeles Galaxy II and Chattanooga Red Wolves midfielder Amirgy Pineda.
“League One creates the opportunity to join the professional ranks; not only for players, but for coaches, as well,” said Obleda. “I am grateful to enter higher-level competition alongside a talented team and vibrant community that shares the love of the beautiful game.”
The Red Wolves and former coach Tim Hankinson parted ways last season. Assistant Coach David Barrueta served as interim head coach following Hankinson’s departure.
“We very much appreciate Coach Barrueta’s leadership as we explored potential candidates to join the Red Wolves,” said McDaniel. “He is an asset to our team and we look forward to continuing our relationship with him.”