The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced this week that Fred Locario will take over as head coach of the women’s soccer team, marking the fourth change in leadership over the past four seasons.
Locario arrives with a résumé that blends collegiate experience and youth development. After stints at Southwest Adventist University and a tenure as head coach at Trinity College, he guided his former squad to a Division III semifinal in 2002, a run that remains one of the program’s most memorable.
Beyond the campus, Locario founded Lil’ Kickers DFW, a non‑competitive child‑development program in the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex that focuses on early soccer exposure and confidence building.
A New Era for Lady Lions Soccer
UAPB athletic director Chris Robinson praised the new coach, highlighting his “track record of success” and “passion for student‑athlete growth.” Robinson said the university is eager to see how Locario’s blend of experience will translate into on‑field progress.
The Lady Lions have endured a rough stretch, failing to register a win in the SWAC since Erik Solberg’s departure in 2023. With four coaches in as many years, the program has struggled to find consistency, a challenge that Locario is now tasked with addressing.
In his opening remarks, Locario said the goal is simple: “to bring stability, develop talent, and give our student‑athletes the platform to excel both on the field and in the classroom.” He added that the team is already working on revamping training methods and community outreach.