Edmonds Community College Athletics
Brandon Mitalas, Men’s Soccer Head Coach
On Coaching: My goal is to give student athletes the tools they need to be successful in the classroom, on the field and beyond. I realize the importance of education and the team will begin to realize it as well. From an early age my father taught me that a team should feel like a family. That is what we have here at Edmonds, a family. Every person who has ever worn the Triton blue and green is and forever will be a part of this family.
Why Edmonds: After beginning my career as a college student athlete at SPU and leaving to enlist in the Marine Corps, I came back and found a home at Edmonds. In the year and a half I spent at Edmonds I learned many lessons and made many friends. I see the value in the diverse student body that Edmonds boasts and feel that it is a place where young people can learn how to be successful in life. To be a part of something like that has always appealed to me. It is my goal to help put EdCC Men’s Soccer back on the map and bring the programs’ first NWAACC trophy back to the Triton family.
Off the Field: Off the field? What is that? I coach soccer for a living. The game has given me so much throughout life that I feel extremely blessed to be able to give back to younger players. When I am away from soccer I like to travel and see people/places/things that I have not seen before. I am currently a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and I am in the process of writing an autobiography which begins on 9-1-01 and chronicles my time in the United States Marine Corps.
Love of the Game: I have played soccer since I can remember. My father, Teddy Mitalas was a professional player who moved into coaching when I was a baby. Growing up with a father who was also a coach afforded me the unique opportunity to learn the game from different perspectives. I have my dad to thank for my passion for ‘the beautiful game.’
Playing Career: I was fortunate to always be surrounded by talented teammates. Throughout my playing career I have won 5 state championships, 4 regional championships and a national championship in 2005. I played collegiate soccer at Seattle Pacific University, Edmonds CC and finished my college career at Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon. I also spent time in the professional ranks with the Seattle Sounders.
Education: My journey through college was just that, a journey. I graduated from Shorecrest High School in 2000. After attending SPU I enlisted in the Marine Corps. I returned from a year of training and enrolled at Edmonds CC in the fall of 2002. In the summer of 2004 I was on my way to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I returned home and accepted a scholarship to Warner Pacific College and I graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration. I will eventually return to the classroom to pursue a Masters Degree in Sports Management.
Prospects: In my mind, building a team is all about finding the right people. Some coaches feel that they need the best players to build a successful team. I however feel that the best skilled players aren’t always the best teammates. It is important to me to build a team that feels more like a family. While we have some great skilled players coming in and returning to the team this fall, it is far more important to me that we have quality young people coming into our program and our Triton family.
Contact Coach Mitalas brandon.mitalas@edcc.edu or (425) 640-1627 or (206) 257-8132
Ken Kruse , Men’s Soccer Assitant Coach
On Coaching: I believe the soccer program is an extension of the college’s education system. My coaching aims at helping our student athletes achieve their desired goals both on and off the pitch. I also believe the “desire to learn and improve” is a key characteristic to success in all life’s endeavors. As such, I welcome our soccer players to our Edmonds CC family. I offer them support toward achieving their goals, while motivating and instilling values that will help them succeed well beyond their college years.
Why Edmonds: I am a long time resident of the Edmonds community. My wife has taken courses here and taught part-time. My daughter is currently enrolled in the Running Start Program. EdCC is a great school; it provides quality educational opportunities to its student body and the soccer program has a positive impact on all involved. It’s exciting to be a part of this awesome program. I’m looking forward to helping take soccer at EdCC to a new level of competitiveness and adding a few NWAACC championship trophies to the display case!
Off the Field: I wear a couple hats off the field. Ever watch “Deadliest Catch”? Been there, done that...I worked as a fishery biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Service/Alaska Fisheries Science Center here in Seattle for over 15 years. I still assist my colleagues with tasks and projects on a limited part-time basis. Now I spend most of my time off the pitch helping friends and clients sell and buy homes as a licensed Realtor. I’m passionate about both coaching soccer and assisting friends with their real estate needs.
Love of the Game: I must thank my son for introducing me to the game some 16+ years ago when we signed him up to play with his friends in a local recreational youth league. I instantly fell in love with soccer. I appreciate how fluid and dynamic the game is and how it’s really the players who must make critical decisions and control the game’s flow. I enjoy the game so much it’s really the only type of sporting event I track, watch live (Go Sounders FC!), or on television. My enjoyment and love of soccer translates directly into my passion for coaching it.
Playing Career: Soccer wasn’t an option when and where I grew up in Iowa. I played every other sport offered and athletics continues to be a big part of my life. I have been a part of many championship teams both as a player and coach. I currently play soccer in an adult league for fun. For the last 12 years I’ve also been refereeing youth and adult soccer. Lastly, I am the current Director of Coach and Player Development and previous President of a local youth soccer club.
Education: I attained by B.A. degree from St. Olaf College, Minnesota where I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. I decided to go back to school as an adult and attained my Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix, Seattle, in 2004. I am continually learning new things and love to use the game of soccer to help myself and players learn about both soccer and life.
Prospects: I agree with Head Coach, Brandon Mitalas, about prospects…it’s about finding the right players, not just those with exceptional soccer skills. Team chemistry is a key component in building competitive and successful teams. A “family” like atmosphere is what we try promoting and building. We have fun and at the same time know when to take things seriously and get after one another. We achieve success with this formula because we expect, and our prospects bring, exceptional skill, attitude, and aptitude to the classroom and pitch. Welcome to the Triton family!
Contact Coach Kruse ken.kruse@edcc.edu (206) 412-2555
