Dyersburg, TN—Dyersburg State is excited to announce the hiring of Jake Vanderburg as the new Women’s Soccer Head Coach to lead the Lady Eagles. Vanderburg brings a holistic, curriculum-based coaching style emphasizing technical skill, tactical awareness, and leadership development. Vanderburg shared his coaching philosophy: “I coach to create thinkers, leaders, and teammates who grow through the game. Soccer isn’t just a sport—it’s a classroom for life. Through joy, structure, and resilience, I prepare players to thrive on and off the field.”
A native of Paris, Tennessee, Vanderburg has a deep-rooted passion for soccer and community engagement. He was a standout player for the Paris Jaguars, contributing to his team’s triumph in the Division II Tennessee State Title in 2001. He then played Division I soccer at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he excelled for four years.
Vanderburg began his coaching career with Middle TN Futbol Club (MTFC) in Goodlettsville, where he led the 2005 boys’ team to its first-ever Division II State League title. His expertise soon caught the attention of the Soccer Youth All-American Series, leading him to develop elite training programs for top-tier youth athletes. Over two years, he coached his teams to four championships and was honored to participate in the All-American All-Star Game, which he won.
His journey continued with FC Barcelona Nashville, where he served as a lead academy instructor and line coach for older age groups. By engaging in monthly coaching education sessions through FC Barcelona’s curriculum, Vanderburg gained substantial insights into the esteemed Barça methodology. He also received mentorship on academy building and long-term player development from Barça’s Coach Academy team. Additionally, Vanderburg directed the TOCA Strikers program, enhancing foundational skills in local youth players while working alongside professional talents, including players from Nashville SC.
Vanderburg has worked to make strides in the Paducah Public Schools system, where he oversaw the Middle School and High School Boys Soccer Program. Under his guidance, the program has consistently been a formidable presence in district competitions and has made significant runs in regional tournaments. He also pioneered an elementary school soccer program, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive developmental pipeline across the district.
In his role with the Kentucky Olympic Development Program (ODP), Vanderburg coaches both the boys’ and girls’ teams. His success in this capacity includes coaching athletes through regional and interregional play. At the club level, he led the Pumas Futbol Club’s 2011 girls’ team to an undefeated season, subsequently earning a promotion to the St. Louis Youth Soccer Association (SLYSA) league.
Beyond coaching, Vanderburg is the founder and program director of Paducah Plays. This youth skill development organization collaborates with local schools, preschools, and Paducah Parks and Recreation to ensure access to quality soccer training. As a board member of the McCracken County Youth Soccer Association (MCYSA) Recreation, he actively leads initiatives in coach education and youth clinics, promoting accessible and practical soccer training at every level.
In discussing Vanderburg’s hiring, DSCC Athletic Director Steve Cornelison stated, “We are very excited that Jake will lead our women’s soccer team. He has extensive experience coaching advanced players at the club level and significant contacts that will benefit our student-athletes in continuing their collegiate soccer careers.”
Vanderburg is eager to begin this new journey with the Dyersburg State Community College Women’s Soccer Program, which will focus on fostering player growth through collegiate soccer and beyond. For more information about the Lady Eagles soccer program, please visit https://athletics.dscc.edu/sports/wsoc/index or contact Steve Cornelison, the athletic director, at cornelison@dscc.edu or 731-286-3259.