Cordova brings more than two decades of coaching experience, including time with Dixon High School and Davis Legacy Soccer Club. He also coached youth basketball and has a long history as a player, having even played at a semi-professional level Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) – Dario “Didi” Cordova, head soccer coach at Dixon High School, was recognized as the city’s first-ever Coach of the Year during the Celebrate Dixon event on March 14, honoring his leadership and the success of the school’s boys soccer program.

Cordova said he was caught off guard when his name was announced.

“I was surprised to hear my name get called,” said Cordova. “Quite a bit went through my mind as I walked to the stage to receive my award. Honored, humbled, happy — just a mix of good emotions.”

Cordova brings more than two decades of coaching experience, including time with Dixon High School and Davis Legacy Soccer Club. He also coached youth basketball and has a long history as a player, beginning in local leagues before advancing to collegiate and semi-professional levels. He played at Cosumnes River College, where he earned first-team junior college All-American honors, and later competed with the Sacramento Knights and Sacramento Gold.

Despite the recognition, Cordova attributed the program’s success to a collective effort.

“I work with a great staff, great kids and we have a great community in Dixon,” he said. “We have a rich history with soccer in this town, and we’ve seen the program come back up to the high standards of the past in recent years.”

Dixon’s soccer program has also maintained one of the highest team grade-point averages in recent years, reflecting an emphasis on academics alongside athletic performance.

“Our soccer teams have held one of the highest team GPA’s the last couple years and that is a huge success to our program,” said Cordova.

The 2025 season presented early challenges, including the loss of a large senior class and a 3 to 0 defeat to a rival, prompting adjustments.

“A lot of people and the boys thought this would be a rebuilding year,” said Cordova. “A bad 3 to 0 loss… was a blessing in disguise. It did leave the boys questioning themselves and us coaches with our ideas for the group.”

Following that setback, the team rebounded with a series of key victories, including wins over defending league champion Woodland, Natomas, River City and El Camino. The playoff run included a semifinal victory in snowy conditions against Summerville, decided by a late goal in overtime.

“It felt like a movie,” said Cordova. “An amazing environment, setting and display of grit, class, sacrifice and everything else.”

Dario “Didi” Cordova (left), head soccer coach at Dixon High School, was recognized as the city’s first-ever Coach of the Year during the Celebrate Dixon event on March 14, honoring his leadership and the success of the school’s boys soccer program. Photo by Nicolas Brown

The team ultimately fell 2 to 1 to Galt in the championship match but finished the season with what Cordova described as “a great season full of many good memories.”

Cordova said his coaching philosophy focuses on both athletic and personal development.

“Our philosophy has been to give our boys the opportunity to enjoy the game while they develop as people and as young men,” he said. “We do our best to ensure our teams have and carry important traits that help them in life such as hard work, respect, discipline, sacrifice, appreciation and enjoyment.”

He credited school administrators, coaching staff, team managers and families for supporting the program and helping student-athletes succeed both on and off the field.

“We are honest and balanced in our talks with the boys in terms of discipline and expectations,” said Cordova. “I also think our boys take leadership and accountability for themselves.”

Cordova said the award reflects not only his work but that of the broader coaching community.

“This award means a lot to me, but I feel it equally means a lot to our community of coaches,” he said. “There is a lot of time and sacrifice that goes into working with our youth.”

Looking ahead, he emphasized continued growth for the program and its participants.

“My goal for the program is to continue growing in every facet possible,” said Cordova.

He also expressed gratitude to those who supported the team, including event organizers, school staff, volunteers and his family.

“Thank you to those who nominated me,” said Cordova. “I am truly honored and humbled to win the first ever Coach of the Year award and I am proud to do so as the Dixon High varsity soccer coach.”