SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara men's soccer has hired Ian Sarachan as assistant coach. Sarachan spent last two seasons with Wisconsin in the same role.

"We're very excited to welcome Ian as a part of our program," said Santa Clara head coach Cameron Rast. "Ian comes from a very esteemed background in the game. He's been all over the country and done everything. For a young player and a young coach to have so much experience bodes well for him to have tremendous success. Ian is going to be a great addition for a program."

"I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to join a program with such a rich history in college soccer, and to work with a staff whose experience in the game is second to none," said Sarachan. "From the incredible facilities to the family-like atmosphere on campus, Santa Clara University is a special place to go to work everyday. I'm anxious to get started and excited to play my part in the continued success of the program."

Immediately after his playing days ended at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Sarachan founded and ran SPORTing Smiles, a nonprofit that collects and distributes sporting equipment to underprivileged areas. In addition to running his charity, Sarachan broke into the professional coaching ranks as an assistant coach for the Galaxy's U-14 and U-16 teams in July 2012, and was named assistant coach of the Galaxy's U-18 team in January.

He was then named assistant coach at Wisconsin where he stayed for two season. In his first season as assistant coach, the Badgers made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 18 years.

Sarachan is the son of Dave Sarachan, a longtime MLS and U.S. National Team coach, and has been coaching professionally for two years. He was a star midfielder at UIC under Trask, and was a major contributor during the Flames' run to the Elite Eight during the 2007 season.