Iowa Lakes Community College Men's Soccer

Iowa Lakes Community College is pleased to announce the hiring of Mukwa Ogitchida as the new Head Women’s Soccer Coach. With a diverse and impactful career that spans leadership in the restaurant industry, education, and competitive coaching, Ogitchida brings a unique and inspiring background to Laker Athletics.   “We are excited to have Coach Ogitchida as our head women’s soccer coach,” said Troy Larson, Dean of Students and Athletics at Iowa Lakes. “Coach has a good soccer background as a longtime successful high school and club coach. He has a great way of communicating with student-athletes and coaching them up. Looking forward to more successful soccer at Iowa Lakes.”   Ogitchida comes to Iowa Lakes at the beginning of his third career. After raising six successful children and becoming an empty-nester, he is channeling his passion and energy into building the Laker women’s soccer program.   His professional career began in restaurant management, leading large teams in locations across the Midwest, including Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. There, he sharpened his leadership, systems development, and team management skills. Transitioning into education, Ogitchida served as an intervention specialist and classroom teacher, gaining a deep understanding of how people learn and how to support growth through intentional feedback and mentorship.   His coaching resume includes head coaching experience at St. Paul Harding High School and roles with respected club programs such as Sting Soccer, REV Soccer, and Salvo Soccer. He has led teams to three high school section finals, one state tournament appearance—the first in that school’s history—and multiple club state tournament finishes, including one championship. He holds a USSF D License and has 18 years of NFHS certification, along with five years of SafeSport training.   Ogitchida’s mission is clear: “I want to help young people find out who they are through participation in the world’s game. When they learn how to be champions on the field, that sets them apart and prepares them to be champions in the world.”

Jesse Kuehler returned to Iowa Lakes in 2025 as the Reserve Team Coach after building an accomplished coaching career across the high school and collegiate levels. Kuehler has served as the Head Coach at Spencer High School since 2021, where he has guided the program to consistent success, including a 2022 Class 2A State Quarterfinal appearance and a 2025 Class 3A State Quarterfinal appearance. Prior to becoming head coach, he was part of the Spencer staff as an assistant in 2019 and 2020. In addition to his high school work, Kuehler has made an impact in the college game. He was the Reserve Coach and Second Assistant on Iowa Lakes’ 2023 NJCAA National Championship team, playing a vital role in the program’s historic run. In 2024, he took over as Head Coach at North Central College (NCC) before returning to Iowa Lakes in 2025 to lead the Reserve Team. Earlier in his career, Kuehler also served as an assistant coach at Norwalk High School in 2017, where he helped guide the Warriors to a Class 2A State Championship in his only season on staff. A native of Spencer, Iowa, Kuehler is a 2011 graduate of Spencer High School and went on to play collegiately at Briar Cliff University, where he graduated in 2015. He also holds a USSF D License, furthering his commitment to player development and coaching education.

Nick Erdmann enters his 11th season with the Iowa Lakes men’s soccer program in 2025, serving as the team’s Goalkeeper Coach. He was also added to the Iowa Lakes women’s soccer staff in 2024, expanding his role within the program. Erdmann played a key part in the Lakers’ 2023 NJCAA National Championship, working with the goalkeepers during the team’s historic run. Before joining Iowa Lakes, Erdmann coached at Spencer High School, where he served as an assistant from 2013–2017 before being promoted to head coach from 2017–2020. He has also coached within the North West Iowa Soccer Club (NWISC), contributing to player development at the club level. Erdmann holds a USSF D License and has established himself as a dedicated coach focused on goalkeeper training, player development, and program success.