James Whitaker
Head CoachE-mail: jwhitaker@ciu.edu
Office Phone: 803-807-5247
James Whitaker came to Columbia International University after a highly successful stint as head coach at Clearwater Christian College in Clearwater, Florida where he led the men’s soccer team to two National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) D2 National Championships. He was twice named National Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and also by the NCCAA.
His goal for the men's soccer program is to build a championship-level program made up of Christ-focused young men who are committed to using soccer as a tool to glorify God. This is reflected in the men's soccer mission statement: "The mission of the men's soccer program at Columbia International University is to make an impact for Christ while competing with excellence at the highest level by using soccer as a tool to minister to others and to develop relationships where we can challenge each other in our walk with Christ.”
Following college, Coach Whitaker played professional soccer for the South Carolina Shamrocks of the USL D3 Pro League. Coach Whitaker holds the Premier Diploma from the NSCAA. He also earned his master's degree in health and exercise science from Furman University and his master's degree in educational leadership and undergraduate degree in math education from Bob Jones University.
In addition to his coaching duties at CIU, he also serves as assistant athletic director. James and his wife Beth live in Columbia and have 3 children: Jillian, Madeline, and Davis.
Coaching Accomplishments:
College Coaching Record: 56 wins / 34 losses / 11 ties
NCCAA II National Champions: 2009, 2010
Coaching Licenses:
NSCAA Premier Diploma
NSCAA Advance National Diploma
NSCAA National Diploma
NCCAA National Coach of the Year: 2009, 2010
NSCAA National Coach of the Year: 2009, 2010
