Lincoln University Army ROTC Program Partners with Men’s Soccer Team to Coach Local YMCA Youth Soccer

Lincoln University Army ROTC cadre and men’s soccer players lead drills and mentorship activities for a YMCA city league boys team during a weekly training session at Soldiers Hall Field.

Cadre from the Lincoln University Army ROTC program partnered with members of the Lincoln University men’s soccer team to coach a local YMCA city league boys soccer team, launching a weekly training initiative focused on skill development and mentorship.

The sessions, held at Soldiers Hall Field, began March 19 and will continue throughout the season. The effort is led by YMCA volunteer coach Kyle Stewart, with support from Lt. Col. Marc McQuilliams, professor of military science and head of the Army ROTC program at Lincoln University.

A small group of Lincoln men’s soccer players — including Enrique Ornelas and Landon Keizer — volunteered at the request of the team’s coaching staff to provide additional on-field instruction and mentorship. The players helped lead drills and concluded the session with a 9-on-9 match.

Lincoln’s men’s soccer program, which advanced to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 last season, brought added experience and energy to the training sessions, reinforcing fundamentals while creating a positive and engaging environment for the youth athletes.

"Teaching youth sports plays a key role in shaping young lives by building teamwork, discipline, leadership and confidence," McQuilliams said. "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to community engagement and youth development."

McQuilliams presented Ornelas and Keizer with the Blue Tiger Battalion Coin of Excellence in recognition of their volunteer service. Ornelas is from Mexico City, Mexico, and Keizer is from Dallas.

The collaboration highlights the leadership of ROTC cadre and the community involvement of Lincoln’s student-athletes, with plans to continue supporting the YMCA program throughout the season.