L to R: Executive director of Pronghorn Athletics and Recreation Neil Langevin, new men's soccer coach Vikram Virk and Manager of Athletics Spencer Pommells, April 8, 2024. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Vikram Virk named new head coach of Pronghorns men’s soccer team

Apr 8, 2024 | 2:17 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It’s the start of a new era for the University of Lethbridge (U of L) Pronghorns men’s soccer team.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, Vikram Virk was unveiled as the team’s new head coach. Virk replaces Davin Haigh, who stepped down from the position earlier this year.

READ MORE: Davin Haigh stepping down as Pronghorns men’s soccer coach

“It’s not often [that] a U SPORTS job comes up, but also, in your home province, really close to home, so it’s super special for me to be here and I’m looking forward to continuing the progress and the work that everyone before me has put in,” Virk says.

He comes to Lethbridge with an impressive background in the sport.

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In the past, Virk has served as an assistant coach for North Texas SC and Pacific FC. He served as head coach for Victoria Highlanders FC and has gained experience in developing sessions plans, player recruitment, training and game strategy. Currently, Virk, who hails from Calgary, is working with the Calgary Cavalry as the League1 and U21 head coach.

“I started coaching really young,” he remarks, explaining that he gained early coaching experience with a program he played for as a child, Chinooks FC.

Vikram Virk at a ceremony announcing his appointment as the new head coach of the Pronghorns men’s soccer team, April 8, 2024. (Photo: LNN)

From Calgary, he moved to Victoria for five years and was eventually selected to work with Pacific FC. “It was an amazing year, my first year in professional football, winning a Canadian Premier League (CPL) title, so you can’t ask for much better than that,” he says.

His career then took him to the United States, where he worked for North Texas SC, a team that operates as the reserve club of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team FC Dallas.

“Seeing what it takes to run an MLS organization and a lot of the behind the scenes as well as on the field was a massive step as well for me,” he remarks.

“I’m a young coach but I’ve definitely gained some experiences throughout my time and each step has helped me learn different elements whether it be on the pitch or off of it, so I feel super ready, super prepared for this next step for myself.”

Virk says he’s looking forward to stepping into the head coaching position and has high praise for the Pronghorns coaches, players and staff that have come before him.

“His meaningful experience in men’s soccer, coupled with his demonstrated growth and potential, has us incredibly excited. With a team showing promising momentum, we are excited to see how [Virk] can lead us towards even greater heights together,” adds executive director of Pronghorn Athletics and Recreation, Neil Langevin.

Last season, the Pronghorns men’s soccer team finished with a record of 4-5-5, putting them in third place in the Canada West Prairie Division.

In October 2023, the Horns were eliminated from the playoffs by the University of Victoria, falling 3-1 in the quarterfinals. It was the first time the team had qualified for the playoffs since 2000.

Read more local sports at Lethbridge News Now.

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