Valparaiso men’s soccer head coach Mike Avery announced today that two former Crusaders have returned to Valpo, as J.J. Del Castillo and Steve Shively round out the Crusader coaching staff entering the 2011 season.

"I am very excited that both J.J. and Steve have agreed to come back and help us as members of our coaching staff,” said Avery.  “The opportunity to add two more Valparaiso soccer alums to our staff is unique, and something that I believe will pay big dividends for our program.  These guys understand how we do things, they believe in our system, and they loved their experience at Valparaiso as student-athletes.  This really resonates with our current team, and it comes out loud and clear in our recruiting efforts.  J.J. and Steve are both great examples of the kind of men we hope to produce, and I am confident both will make a significant impact as coaches.”

Del Castillo, who will be listed as a graduate assistant, appeared in 39 matches in the midfield over his three seasons as a Crusader [2007-2009].  He returns to Valparaiso after most recently playing professionally at Atlante F.C. in his native Mexico.  Shively, who is tied for sixth in Crusader history with 18 career goals over his four seasons [2006-2009], including eight match-winners, will be listed as an assistant coach, as well as the head coach of the reserve side.  Shively spent last year as an assistant coach at Parkland College in Champaign, Ill.

The duo joins fellow Crusader alum Jeff Oleck, in his third season as a coach, on Avery’s coaching staff as Valpo opens camp this week in preparation for the 2011 campaign.  They also join a staff which has produced six coaches in the last four years who have moved forward in the coaching ranks, including a trio of members from last year’s staff: Cailean Bailey (Yale), Donnie Hathorn (Niagara) and Phil Ruskin (Stony Brook).