Solano Enters a new Era with 5 new Head Coaches

Solano College Welcomes Five New Head Coaches Ahead of 2025–26 Athletic Season

Fairfield, CA – July 2025 — Solano College Athletics is ushering in a new era with the appointment of five new head coaches across multiple programs, each bringing fresh energy, proven experience, and a deep commitment to student success both on and off the field. The Falcons are proud to welcome Diego Reyes (Men’s Basketball), Elizabeth Roark (Women’s Basketball), Rafael Rovira (Men’s & Women’s Tennis), Alonso Frias (Women’s Soccer), and Makayla “MJ” Johnson (Women’s Beach Volleyball) to their new head coaching roles.

Diego Reyes – Men’s Basketball (Interim Head Coach)

At just 27 years old, Diego Reyes becomes the youngest head men’s basketball coach in the 3C2A. Reyes steps into the interim role after three seasons as Associate Head Coach under John Nagle, where he played a vital role in elevating the program both academically and athletically. Under his leadership, the team saw consistent improvement in performance and maintained a team GPA above 3.2.
Reyes previously served as lead assistant at Pacific Union College (NAIA) and holds a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from UCLA and a master’s degree in Applied Exercise Science. Known for his focus on development and discipline, Reyes is ready to lead the Falcons into a new chapter of growth.

Elizabeth Roark – Women’s Basketball

A Solano alumna and former scholarship athlete at William Jessup University, Elizabeth Roark returns to her roots as the new head coach of women’s basketball. Roark has served on the Solano coaching staff since 2020, most recently as Associate Head Coach and Strength & Conditioning Coach.
With a Master’s in Kinesiology and a leadership role in the Athletic Academic Mentor Program (AAMP), Roark brings a holistic approach to coaching—focused on athletic excellence, academic accountability, and personal development. She is also an adjunct faculty member in Athletics & Kinesiology.

Rafael Rovira – Men’s & Women’s Tennis

A familiar and respected face within the program, Rafael Rovira officially begins his tenure as head coach of both the men’s and women’s tennis programs. Known across the region as “Coach Raf,” Rovira has led Solano tennis since 2016, cultivating a program centered on character, commitment, and community.
He is an active leader in the Solano tennis community as a board member of the Solano Community Tennis Association and Tournament Co-Director for the ATP/USTA Solano Challenger. His coaching philosophy values growth and sportsmanship, making Solano’s tennis program one of inclusivity and excellence.

Alonso Frias – Women’s Soccer

A former Falcon and rising talent in Northern California coaching circles, Alonso Frias takes over as head coach for women’s soccer. Frias previously served as an assistant coach at Solano and brings a rich résumé that includes success as varsity head coach at Armijo High School and club coach at Solano Surf.
Frias holds multiple coaching licenses from the U.S. Soccer Federation and is currently pursuing his National B License. He has also trained with the San Jose Earthquakes as part of a developmental coaching course. With deep ties to the local community and a strong academic background, Frias is well-equipped to lead Solano women’s soccer into the future.

Makayla “MJ” Johnson – Co-Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball (Indoor & Beach)

A former Solano volleyball standout, MJ Johnson has worked her way up the coaching ladder since 2018, and now enters her first season as Co-Head Coach of both the indoor and beach volleyball teams. Johnson has helped shape the program as a full-time assistant and associate head coach while also serving as academic mentor.
She played 11 years of competitive volleyball and earned a B.S. in Kinesiology from Sacramento State in 2022. Under her guidance, the team earned the Bay Valley Conference Scholar Team of the Year award in 2024 with a team GPA of 3.67. MJ brings passion, structure, and mentorship to a growing program.

A Bright Future for Falcon Athletics

With these five talented and passionate coaches stepping into new leadership roles, Solano College is investing in a bold, student-centered future for its athletic programs. Each coach not only brings skill and experience, but also a dedication to cultivating academic success, leadership, and community.

Welcome Coaches Reyes, Roark, Rovira, Frias, and Johnson — and Go Falcons!