Head Coach Sam Odell adds Assistant Coach JP Navarro to Staff
8/20/2026 9:40:00 AM | Women's Soccer
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate women's soccer has announced the addition of JP Navarro to its coaching staff, with Navarro joining the Spartans this summer as an assistant coach for the 2026 season.
Navarro comes to Upstate after spending the past three seasons at Franklin Pierce University, bringing collegiate coaching experience in recruiting, player development and goalkeeper training to the Upstate program.
"I am very excited to join a program that is in an exciting moment and to become a part of the Spartan community." Navarro said.
During his time at Franklin Pierce, Navarro worked extensively in goalkeeper development while contributing to the day-to-day operation of the program. His experience with the Ravens continued a coaching career that has included stops at the NCAA Division II, NAIA, high school and youth levels.
Prior to Franklin Pierce, Navarro spent three seasons as the lead assistant coach at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). During his tenure, he helped the Bees reach their conference tournament in each of his three seasons.
Navarro played an integral role in the day-to-day operation of the SCAD program, assisting with the planning and execution of training sessions, recruiting, budgeting and team travel. He also oversaw goalkeeper development, helping a SCAD goalkeeper earn NAIA Defensive Player of the Week honors following a 13-save shutout against the No. 8-ranked team in the country.
Before beginning his collegiate coaching career, Navarro spent five years coaching at East Lansing High School in Michigan while completing his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University. During his time with the program, East Lansing compiled a 63-18-5 record, advanced to four consecutive regional finals and made an appearance in the state final.
Navarro has also worked extensively in youth soccer, gaining additional experience in individual player development while working with athletes across multiple age groups.
A graduate of Michigan State, Navarro earned his degree in Arts and Humanities before completing his Master of Business Administration with a focus in Sports Management at Franklin Pierce.
Navarro also holds a U.S. Soccer Federation "D" License as well as NSCAA Level 1 and Level 2 Goalkeeping Diplomas.
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