ROME, Ga.- Roberto Hernandez was announced by Marty Ziesemer on Thursday as the head coach of the Shorter Men's Soccer team. 


Ziesemer remarked, "I am thrilled about the addition of Roberto as our new men's soccer coach.  He understands the game and comes with considerable coaching experience.  His enthusiasm and passion to coach the whole person has been evident in our conversations.  He will be a positive addition to the coaching staff and the entire campus of Shorter University.    I do thank Kevin Cooke for his leadership as coach and mentor as the men's soccer coach at Shorter and wish him the best as he pursues a new chapter outside of coaching". 


Hernandez comes to Rome with a proven background in coaching and a healthy amount of experience. Hernandez has spent the last two seasons at Fresno Pacific University with his first season with the Sunbirds being highlighted by significant signs of progress throughout the program.  He inherited a team that finished 2-13-2 in 2023 and guided them to an improved 4-8-4 finish in 2024.  U  Most notably, the team's defense saw a significant improvement allowing just 17 goals all season compared to the prior season's 49.  Additionally, Hernandez's side gave up fewer shots, chances, and corner kicks to the opposition in 2024, and at one point held their opponents scoreless for over 400 consecutive minutes of play.


The Bakersfield native has an extensive coaching career in the college, club, and development ranks.  Prior to FPU he was an assistant coach for men's soccer at Biola University as well as NAIA programs San Diego Christian and Westcliff University.  As an assistant at D-II Cal Poly Pomona, he helped the team to a CCAA title and NCAA West Region berth in 2019.  Hernandez oversaw numerous club programs including Santa Monica United, SoCal Reds, and Steel United Conejo Valley where he guided the clubs to numerous undefeated seasons and conference championships.  He also coached the goalkeepers at the LAFC (MLS) Youth Academy.  He has helped develop numerous players who would excel in the professional and collegiate ranks, as well as receive call-ups to their represented national teams.


A goalkeeper during his playing days, Hernandez played collegiately at CSU Monterey Bay, Fresno City College, and University of Antelope Valley.  After college, he played at numerous levels across the country, including a call up to the U20 Guatemala National Team and US Men's Beach Soccer National Team.


In addition to a bachelor's degree from CSU Bakersfield, Hernandez holds a master's degree in Coaching & Athletic Administration from Concordia University-Irvine.  He holds a "B" coaching license issued by the United States Soccer Federation.


"I am super blessed and grateful to lead Shorter University Men's Soccer into a new era", quoted Hernandez. "I am very excited to get started in the fall and meet the team. I am also looking forward to leading the program to success not only on the field but off the field as well, as a Christ-centered environment. I am thankful for Marty and the rest of the administration for giving me this opportunity and I am excited for what's ahead. Fly Hawks!"


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