Ernesto Hidalgo joined the Mountaineer women's soccer coaching staff in June 2026.
Hidalgo brings an incredibly diverse and proven coaching pedigree to the program, spanning the Junior College, NAIA, and NCAA Division I levels. Most recently, he took the reins as head coach at Briar Cliff (Iowa) University for the 2025 season, where his leadership immediately elevated his players' competitive drive — guiding the Chargers to both a GPAC All-Conference Second Team selection and an Honorable Mention awardee.
Prior to his time at Briar Cliff, Hidalgo was a powerhouse force in NCAA Division I soccer. Spending the 2024 season as an assistant coach at UC Riverside alongside his brother, interim head coach Gerardo Hidalgo, he played an instrumental role in developing an astonishing five student-athletes who earned prestigious national team call-ups. From mastering daily program operations and budgeting to breaking down game-winning strategies through advanced film analysis, Hidalgo has consistently proven he knows exactly what it takes to build elite competitors.
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