Solano College AD retires after 11 years at the helm

FAIRFIELD — Erik Visser has announced he is ready to pass the baton and retire after 11 years as the athletics director at Solano Community College.

Visser, the former University of San Francisco hall of fame soccer coach, has led the Falcons’ program to continued success and growth for just over a decade. Assistant AD Alison Aubert will lead the program this fall on an interim basis before the college begins a nationwide search for Visser’s permanent replacement.

“I think the program is in a good place and it’s time for someone to come in with fresh ideas,” Visser said. “I loved the job. I loved being a part of the community and making an impact on the lives of our students. I really enjoyed the community college experience.”

“I’m proud of the culture we have been able to establish,” he said. “The administration, the coaches and the staff have all truly tried to walk the walk of the four pillars and do the right thing. I don’t like the word retired, but I definitely think this will be a new chapter in my life.”

Visser said he will stay in the area and continue to help the program when he can, particularly during the annual ATP Pro Tennis Challenger the school hosts on campus each October. He also has national soccer roles as an MLS Match Director and a U.S. Soccer Youth National Team Scout.

“Thank you to our coaches, staff, student athletes, and the entire campus community,” Visser said. “It was an honor to lead this program – and I will be cheering it on in its next chapter. Go Falcons!”

Aubert said she will not apply for the full-time role but wishes to continue as the assistant athletic director. She has been a longtime staff member and athletic trainer at the school.

“I want to help stay in my role and help the process along,” Aubert said. “We’re really excited about the future at Solano. We want to help mentor our new coaches and help them transition well into their new roles.”

This will be Aubert’s second time in charge of the athletic department. She had previously served in a six-month interim role.

The athletic department at Solano is undergoing much change. There are new interim head coaches in Alonso Frias (women’s soccer), Lizzy Roark (women’s basketball) and Diego Reyes (men’s basketball).

The school is also actively searching for a new softball coach with what Aubert said is the “100 percent intention” of bringing back the program after a few years off. 

Longtime coaches Darla Williams (women’s volleyball), Scott Parrish (swimming and diving) and Scott Stover (baseball) will stay in place, along with Rafael Rovira (men’s and women’s tennis). Williams’ assistant volleyball coach Makayla Johnson is now listed as the co-head coach with her for women’s beach volleyball.

The new school year at Solano begins Monday, Aug. 11. Workouts are already underway for the fall sports of women's soccer and women's volleyball.