Jon Nishimoto has been named head coach for the Bishop O’Dowd High School women’s varsity soccer team. He replaces Katie Pittman, who stepped down from coaching when she accepted the Assistant Principal for Student Life position at Moreau Catholic.

Nishimoto, 38, isn’t a stranger to the O’Dowd sidelines. He served as an assistant to former men’s varsity soccer coach Pete Bellanger for five years. During that time, the team captured four Hayward Area Athletic League championships (2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010) and made three North Coast Section finals appearances (2005, 2009 and 2010), winning an NCS title in 2005.

This past season the men’s team compiled a 20-1-5 record, was ranked #21 nationally by ESPN Rise, and was NCS runner up.

Currently the assistant coaching director for the Bay Oaks Soccer Club, Nishimoto has a USSF (United States Soccer Federation) B License and an NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) Premier Diploma.

Previously, Nishimoto was a member of the coaching staff for the men’s soccer team at Cal State East Bay, was an Olympic Development Program coach and a youth Division 1 club soccer coach for boys and girls ages 6-18.

“Jon is a tremendous coach who has a wealth of experience working with young women. He is very well respected in the soccer community and has had success coaching everywhere he has been involved,” Assistant Athletic Director Carlos Arriaga said.

“I would characterize Jon as a great teacher of the game. He is humble and a man of great character. His ability to always keep a proper perspective on winning and emphasize the values beyond the game is why our community is very lucky to have Jon leading one of our most successful programs,” Arriaga added.

Nishimoto says he enjoys working with talented players that are motivated to increase their level of ability.

His primary goal in his new position is “to provide a positive high school soccer experience by challenging all players to grow, both as players and adults.”

A Hayward resident, Nishimoto played club soccer in the Bay Area from youth to adult.