Dalton State Athletics launched a new chapter for its soccer programs with the appointments of Douglas Oliveira as head coach of the men’s team and Joshua Goebel as head coach of the women’s team. With championship pedigrees, international experience and deep regional ties, the two bring a powerful blend of leadership and vision to the Roadrunners.
“Both Josh and Douglas are high character people that will help lead both soccer teams to great success in the future,” Ben Rickett, interim athletic director, said. “Josh has great ties to the Atlanta area, and Doug has international ties, and the experiences they bring to Dalton State can really help the transition of these two programs moving forward. I am looking forward to watching these two coaches at work!”
Oliveira becomes the third head coach in Dalton State men’s soccer history, succeeding Saif Alsafeer, who left to become the associate head coach at Oral Roberts University in March. Oliveira served as an assistant coach at Liberty University from 2020 to 2025. During his time there, the Flames posted a 33-31-13 record and competed in the Alantic Sun Conference and later the Ohio Valley Conference.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to be the head coach for the men’s team,” Oliveira said. “I want to thank Ben Rickett and the hiring committee for entrusting me in this role. I look forward to working with the current players and adding some new talent to the group to defend the national championship, which is going to be a great challenge.”
Prior to Liberty, Oliveira served two seasons as an assistant coach with Mississippi Brilla FC, a USL League Two (USL2) team, formerly the Premiere Development League, based in Clinton, Miss. A native of Campinas, Brazil, Oliveira played two collegiate seasons each at Indiana Wesleyan and John Brown University and was part of Indiana Wesleyan’s 2017 NCCAA National runner-up team.
Oliveira holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in coaching from Indiana Wesleyan and a master’s degree in human performance from Liberty. He also holds a U.S. Soccer National “D” Coaching License.
Goebel is the first women’s-only head coach in program history. Goebel most recently served as an assistant coach at Life University, where he helped the team achieve a program-best 13 regular-season wins and a national ranking of #6 in 2024.
“I’m thrilled to join Dalton State and lead the women’s soccer program, and I’m looking forward to taking the women’s program to new heights,” Goebel said. “We’re going to build a winning culture with a professional atmosphere that pushes our players to grow every day”
Prior to his collegiate coaching career, Goebel led Chamblee High School in Atlanta to the 2023 Georgia 5A State Championship with a 21-0-1 record and a MaxPreps #1 national ranking. He also coached multiple teams at Inter Atlanta FC, transforming underperforming squads into championship contenders with improved goal differentials and competitive milestones, including a regional tournament appearance and an undefeated season. Additionally, Goebel served as an assistant coach for the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) cross country and track teams, contributing to championship-winning squads and recruiting elite-level athletes.
For more information about Dalton State’s soccer program, visit dsroadrunners.com.
