MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Skagit Valley College is proud to announce the appointment of Brendan Gribek as the new head men’s soccer coach for the Cardinal men’s soccer program, effective immediately.
Gribek brings a broad and varied background as both a player and coach to SVC. As a student-athlete, he earned NWAC All-Star honors while at Walla Walla Community College and played at the NAIA level with The Evergreen State College. He also gained valuable semi-professional playing experience before transitioning into coaching.
After concluding his playing career in fall 2024, Gribek began his college coaching journey in spring 2025 with The Evergreen State College men’s program, and most recently served as assistant men’s coach at the University of Providence in fall 2025.
“We are thrilled to have Brendan join and lead our men’s soccer program after rising to the top of a highly competitive applicant pool,” said Mitch Freeman, SVC athletic director. “Brendan understands the NWAC well, having had an excellent career at Walla Walla Community College before continuing on to play at the four-year level and then moving into coaching roles at The Evergreen State College and Providence College (Montana). He will bring tremendous energy and excitement to our historically successful soccer program.”
Gribek takes the reins of a Cardinal program with a strong tradition of success within the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) and a passionate community of student-athletes and supporters.
SVC also extends deep gratitude to outgoing head coach Richard Henderson, who stepped down after a transformative four-year tenure leading the Cardinals. Under Henderson’s leadership, the program regained stability and competitive excellence following a period of transition, achieved back-to-back postseason appearances, and secured some of the most successful seasons for the Cardinals in recent history.
In 2025, Henderson guided the SVC men’s soccer team to its most wins since 2014, a third-place finish in the NWAC North Division, and a #10 national ranking from United Soccer Coaches.
Henderson’s commitment to developing a winning culture and elevating the student-athlete experience has left a lasting impact on the team and the SVC community.
The SVC men’s soccer program has a long tradition of athletic excellence and competitive play within the NWAC. The Cardinals are known for their commitment to player development, academic achievement, and community engagement.
For more information about the team, coaching staff, and upcoming season schedules, visit https://athletics.skagit.edu/.
Media Contact Info
Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
360.416.7957
marisa.pierce@skagit.edu