Bio

Eddie Vongsiprasom, equipped with more than two decades of experience in the Siouxland soccer scene, became Western Iowa Tech's first head women's soccer coach in March of 2023.

Vongsiprasom grew up playing soccer just minutes from WIT, years before the Comets fielded any NJCAA athletic teams. The opportunity to play soccer, receive an education and stay close to home wasn’t available to him. He left South Sioux City upon graduation to play at Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska.

Vongsiprasom’s history makes him cherish the opportunity WIT now offers young athletes, especially those from Sioux City and the surrounding area.

“WIT has been here in Siouxland forever, the talent has always been here, so giving (the athletes) a place to call home, giving them an option to play at the next level without breaking the bank is just cool to see,” he said.

Vongsiprasom has a clear vision for his program and high-aspirations for his student-athletes. He sees a student-athlete’s time as a Comet as much more than an athletic career. It’s about the life experience and how it sets one up for long-term success.

“I am committed to empowering others who may have once felt lost or overlooked, guiding them towards the opportunities that exist beyond their current circumstances,” Vongsiprasom said. “I aim to inspire and support individuals like myself, showing them that there are endless paths to success and fulfillment.”

Hired late in the recruiting season, Vongsiprasom built the inaugural Comets squad in just a few short months, and fielded a talented and eclectic roster that proved competitive in the highly respected ICCAC.

The Comets won their first-ever match on September 9, a 1-0 nailbiter against Rochester Community and Technical College. They followed that win with a 9-0 rout of Scott Community College on September 16.

These matches proved the process was working, Vongsiprasom’s vision to build a program that earns local pride and elsewhere puts WIT on the map was coming into focus.

“When they see ‘WIT Comets,’ they’ll know, ‘that’s Sioux City, that’s Western Iowa Tech,’” he said.

Vongsiprasom was the head coach of the North High School girls’ team from December 2021 to May 2024 and the Dakota Valley High School boys’ team for their inaugural season in the fall of 2022. Prior to his dual head coaching roles, he was the assistant coach of the Dakota Valley varsity girls from 2018 to October 2022, and the assistant for the North High varsity girls from the 2017 to December 2021. He was also the head coach of both girls’ junior varsity teams during his time as an assistant.

Vongsiprasom coached with Diablos Football Club (formerly South Sioux City Soccer Club) from 2006-2023.

His first coaching job came in 2006, when he became the assistant coach of his alma mater, the South Sioux City High School boys. He stayed with the Cardinals until 2010.

Vongsiprasom began his playing career as a sophomore at South Sioux City. He fell in love with the game and kept it as a major part of his life ever since. Soccer gave him direction, a gift he now wants to pay forward.

“There’s a lot of things I always wanted to see as a kid. Now me being at this platform gives me the chance to implement, to plant the seed of these visions going forward.”

As the Comets aim higher, Vongsiprasom seeks players with similar drive and work ethic.

“We have everything you need here to succeed,” he said of WIT. “You have to put in the work, but we have the resources here to get you to the next level.

On February 9, 2024, sophomore goalkeeper Zoe Wiggall became the first Western Iowa Tech women’s soccer player to sign with an NCAA school.

Vongsiprasom lives in Dakota Dunes with his wife Revathi and four of their children – Ava, Rishi, Zaara and Jett. He also has a son Avan, who turns 18 in November.