The Howard Payne University athletic department today announced the hiring of Estevan Arbaiza as the head men’s soccer coach.

Estevan Arbaiza comes to Howard Payne from Hardin-Simmons University where he served as the graduate assistant coach with the men’s program this past season. Arbaiza also worked with the Abilene Soccer Club last year.

“I am excited about having Estevan as our new head men’s soccer coach,” said Howard Payne Director of Athletics Mike Jones. “He brings a wealth of knowledge about the conference, recruiting, and the game that will serve our men’s program well for many years to come.”

At Hardin-Simmons, Arbaiza coordinated practices, managed the programs travel and played a key role in recruiting for the HSU program. Before working as the HSU graduate assistant, Estevan was a player for four seasons at HSU earning All-Region honors in 2008. He was team captain in 2009 helping his team advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament.

“I am really excited to get started,” said Estevan Arbaiza. “Howard Payne is an excellent opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. It’s a great place for kids, a great community and I am excited about what I can provide. The Yellow Jackets will be a disciplined, hard-working team.”

Arbaiza graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Hardin-Simmons and is currently working on a Master in Business Administration.