Diaz returns to alma mater, takes over Jacks girls soccer

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (11-4-1) begin a new era under new Head Coach Javier Diaz ahead of the 2026 season. Since his arrival, Diaz has felt a lot of positive energy throughout the program, he said.  

“I'm excited about the prospect of what's going to happen this season,” Diaz said. “I think we're trying to establish a new culture with the girls and hopefully it sticks around for a long time.” 

Born in Moses Lake but raised in Quincy, Diaz has been around the sport for most of his life, he said. Growing up, his brothers played a lot of soccer, one of which was part of the 2014 state championship team in Quincy. He has also put together an extensive background coaching at the club soccer level. This pathway has led him to take over for former Head Coach Jesse Villalobos to lead the Jacks girls soccer program this season.  

“I got excited about the prospect of being a part of the community and being a part of Quincy, my alma mater, and just making an impact here,” the coach said. 

Diaz credited Villalobos for making the transition very smooth and helping him learn more about the team he was inheriting. The Jacks found themselves in several competitive games, at times giving 4A schools like the Wenatchee Panthers trouble.  

“We're hoping to continue that part of it,” he said. “Then just help them grow and take it to that next step, if possible, because we do have a great core of girls in there, returners, and then some new ones, and so it's exciting to see them.”  

Though it’s early, Diaz is starting to identify some of his players that will play key roles this season. More importantly, he wants to establish a strong team culture.  

“We want everybody to understand and embrace their role and know that it doesn't define you. It’s just kind of where you're at, and then we move from there. We do have a couple key returners and stuff, and then we're looking at some leaders and things like that, and so we're still trying to pinpoint everyone's role,” Diaz said. 

Like any coach, Diaz wants to win and win often. However, he also wants his players to also have fun as they grow as student athletes.  

“I want them to be out there and have the courage to make mistakes,” the coach said. “We told them on day one, ‘Hey, in every sport you're going to make mistakes.’ It's what we're looking at and what we're trying to establish is how you respond to those. It's having that same support when they're off the pitch. We bring them out, we're having those conversations, and my philosophy is these are learning (and) growth moments.” 

At the time of press, the Jacks have begun their season with a 2-0 win over the Moses Lake Mavericks, one of many challenging opponents they’ll come across this season. Within the Central Washington Athletic Conference, the Jacks will have to navigate opponents like the Ephrata Tigers, Othello Huskies, Selah Vikings and East Valley Red Devils. 

Diaz doesn’t expect the Jacks to be at their best right of the gate, he said. However, they should fare well if they attack their preparation ahead of each game.  

“Our job is to evaluate and then help (players) go from there and then give them the tools and everything that they need to grow,” Diaz said. “The effort comes from them; that's going to be their part of the deal. We're just there to support them through the whole process of growing and learning.” 

    The Jacks girls soccer squad goes through team warmups ahead of their home opener against the Moses Lake Mavericks.
  

    The Jacks’ Aylen Garcia dives to block a shot attempt during warmups ahead of their home opener against the Moses Lake Mavericks, Tuesday.
  

    New head coach of the Quincy Jacks Javier Diaz watches on as his team goes through warmups.
  

    Arlene Bolanos (7) works through a team drill ahead of their home opener against the Moses Lake Mavericks, Tuesday.