MCC Soccer Welcomes Pedro Balaguer as their New Assistant Coach

MERIDIAN - Meridian Community College welcomes Pedro Balaguer as the men's and women's assistant soccer coach. Coach Balaguer will assist Head Coach Mike Smith with the women's team and Head Coach Diego Figueroa with the men's team. 

A former Division one player at Belmont University from 2012-2016, Pedro was a versatile player having played as a central midfielder, right back, and left back. 

After a four-year hiatus from soccer, Pedro returned as a coach for Brooklyn United Academy where he quickly climbed the ranks to achieve a full time coaching and administrative position in the club. Under the tutelage of two UEFA Pro Licensed coaches in Brooklyn, Pedro was named Brooklyn United Academy Coach of the Year and was chosen to lead the oldest age group of boys his second season at the club.

Pedro transitioned to college coaching in March of 2023 as the assistant coach for the Men and Women's programs at National Park College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Pedro helped lead the NPC Nighthawks to the Women's first ever Region II Championship title and the Men's Region II Championship title. With the men's program, Pedro helped NPC to a 12-2-3 season finishing at the Central District Semi-finals. While at NPC, the men's program received their first ever NJCAA II national ranking at number 19. 

Pedro currently holds a USSF C License, NSC Goalkeeping Level 1 Diploma, ISSPF Physical Training & Soccer Methodology Certificate, and ISSPF Strength and Conditioning Certificate. 

For more information about the MCC Soccer program contact Mike Smith, Head Women's Coach at msmith3@meridiancc.edu, Diego Figueroa, Head Men's Coach at dfiguero@meridiancc.edu.