Submitted by Oly Town Artesians
In the next phase of a strategic growth plan, The Oly Town Artesians announce the appointment of Leon Grinnell as Director of Soccer Operations. Leon will provide strategic leadership and manage daily operations of the men’s indoor and outdoor teams and oversee the community and business development plans for the Artesians. He will begin the position immediately.
Brandon Sparks will continue in his role as General Manager, as will Coach Matt Herrera and Business and Community Development Coordinator Kyle Wiese.
“We are excited to welcome Leon to the Oly Town family,” said Artesians co-owner Tim Smith. “Leon’s background and experience as a player, coach, and club administer will be a valuable asset as the club continues to grow. Leon is a fantastic addition to Oly Town and I look forward to working with him in the upcoming season and over the next several years.”
Leon serves as the Men’s Assistant Soccer Coach at The Evergreen State College in Olympia. He brings more than 25 years’ experience in coaching and professional administration. He has worked with all ages and levels from U12 Select to semi-professional men’s teams in Germany. Leon began his coaching career as Head Soccer Coach for the United States Armed Forces Youth All-Star team in Germany winning the U12 European Championship. As General Manager and Coach of the United States Army Men’s team, he won the European Armed Forces Championship in 2008. Leon has served as Head Coach, Director of Player Personnel and General Manager, both in Germany and here in the United States.
“The Artesians are a unique opportunity with close ties to the Olympia and more specifically Olympia’s soccer communities. Tim and I share a very similar passion for the community and vision for the future of the club,” said Grinnell. “Our immediate focus is on the recently started WISL indoor season. As for the future we are still in the planning stages and hope to unveil details at the beginning of the new year.”
In addition to his coaching experience, Leon has over a decade of experience playing in German amateur divisions. Leon was educated at the University of Heidelberg in Germany and a product of The St. Petersburg Kickers, 1989 US Open Cup Winners, under the tutelage of Steve Gogas and Alex Pringle from the age of 15.
Leon and the Artesians return home on Saturday, December 15 to face the Tacoma Stars Reserves. 90’s night at The Pavilion is set for 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and tickets are just $8 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12, seniors and military members and kids under 5 are free. Tickets are available at www.olytownfc.com/tickets.
