Garces was promoted to Associate Head Coach on Jan. 26, 2022 after spending seven seasons on the CSU Bakersfield Coaching staff as an assistant coach. He joined the Roadrunner coaching staff in 2015, following a standout playing career at CSUB.
"James is a vital part of our program, campus and the Bakersfield community. He was a valuable member of the 2011 NCAA Tournament team, and he has successfully made the natural progression into coaching here at CSUB." said CSUB Head Coach Richie Grant. "James has clear goals for his career, and his commitment and dedication have earned him his new responsibilities as an Associate Head Coach. We are fortunate to have him and he has a bright future ahead."
Garces completed his Roadrunner playing career in 2014. As a freshman, Garces played the full match against Saint Mary's College in the NCAA Tournament, CSUB's first-ever Division I Tournament appearance regardless of sport. Garces captained the `Runners during his junior and senior seasons and anchored the CSUB backline, playing in 58 matches as a defender. He was a two-time Academic All-WAC selection and was a part of the inaugural class of CSUB's Golden Circle. The Golden Circle recognizes outstanding student-athletes who excel in the classroom, community and playing field.
At CSUB, Garces is actively involved in all aspects of the coaching process; including designing and facilitating training sessions, scouting, opposition analysis, video editing, recruiting, and more. As a local product, Garces has been vital in bolstering the program’s alumni and community relations. He is instrumental in the CSUB Soccer Mentoring Program which places current CSUB Soccer athletes with local club teams to promote the program, guide young pupils, and excite them about the importance of education and hard work in the classroom, as well as the soccer field. Garces is a familiar face at community outreach events, fundraisers, and local club and high school competitions.
In the local club soccer scene, Garces has held various roles within multiple clubs including Central California Aztecs (CCA), and currently, South Valley Surf. When CCA was a member of the United States Soccer Development Academy, Garces coached the 2004 Boys and 2002 Boys teams which featured current CSUB Soccer standout, Bryson Hankins. Currently, he is the Head Coach for the South Valley Surf Boys 2008 and 2011 teams.
He earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations in 2014 and his Master's degree in Public Administration in 2016 at CSUB. While in graduate school, Garces participated in the Graduate Student Leadership Program and was inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha National Honors Society, which recognizes academic achievement in the program. Garces actively serves on the CSUB athletic department “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)” committee. He is currently a candidate for the USSF B License and holds multiple special topics diplomas from the United Soccer Coaches.
Garces is an avid learner, enjoys reading and traveling in his free time.
