RALEIGH, N.C. - Meredith College Athletics has announced the hiring of Mike Barroqueiro as the next head coach of the Avenging Angels soccer program.

Barroqueiro arrives at Meredith with nearly two decades of NCAA Division I coaching experience, including multiple head coaching stops and an extensive background in program development, recruiting and student-athlete success.

Most recently, Barroqueiro served as Director of Coaching for the North Branch of Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, overseeing operations for more than 600 student-athletes and 100 coaches while also supporting elite youth and pre-professional programming.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mike and his family to Meredith," said Associate Athletic Director / Senior Woman Administrator Fiona Barkley. "Mike's experience at the Division I level, proven ability to elevate programs and commitment to developing the complete student-athlete made him stand out throughout the search process. His vision for competitive success and leadership development embodies the Going Strong mentality of Meredith College and we believe will add to the continued success of the program."

 

 

Barroqueiro's collegiate head coaching experience includes six seasons at the University of Delaware, where he led one of the most successful stretches in program history. During his tenure, Delaware produced 20 All-CAA selections and the program's first-ever major conference award winner. In 2019, the Blue Hens posted their highest win total in 25 years, earned the No. 2 seed in the CAA Tournament (the highest in program history) and recorded one of the nation's largest year-over-year improvements.

Prior to Delaware, Barroqueiro spent four seasons as Associate Head Coach at NC State, helping guide the Wolfpack to a breakthrough 2016 campaign that included the program's first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance since 1996, a top-25 national ranking and NSCAA Southeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

Barroqueiro also previously served as head coach at Iona, where he orchestrated one of the largest turnarounds in program history and led the Gaels to consecutive program-best seasons while earning recognition for academic success.

His coaching resume additionally includes stops at Rutgers, College of Charleston and UMBC, along with experience in elite youth and pre-professional soccer environments.

"First and foremost, I want to thank Jackie Myers, Fiona Barkley, Coach Scott and President Sapp for entrusting me to lead the soccer program here at Meredith College," said Barroqueiro. "Having spent time in Raleigh previously, I was immediately drawn to the opportunity knowing that Meredith offers a unique blend of high-level academics, elite location and competitive athletics as a member of the USA South Athletic Conference."

"What I could not have known until I got to campus was how special the group of people here are, and how committed the institution is to offering a first-class educational and athletic experience to our student-athletes. The passion for Meredith College and the athletics program is evident, and I can't wait to work alongside my colleagues to build upon the solid foundation already established within our soccer program."

Barroqueiro earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University and holds United Soccer Coaches Advanced National and Goalkeeping licenses.