By MAYAN PAZ
Tiger Media Network
The transition from his previous job at Johnson County Community College to the leader of the women’s soccer team at Fort Hays State University doesn’t worry Alex Hagan.
Hagan, previously an assistant coach at JCCC and the former head coach at NAIA Bethel College, was hired to replace Tyson John.
Hagan helped JCCC win three conference titles and reach two national championship finals at the junior college level. Hagan said the system at Johnson County treated him the same as a head coach, so he is ready to make the transition to become a head coach at the NCAA Division II level like he was at Bethel.
“I was treated as a head coach, essentially,” said Hagan, who becomes the fourth head coach in FHSU women’s soccer history. “So I did a lot of the head-coaching roles in terms of recruiting, setting up how we wanted to play in practices, all those kinds of things. So that felt pretty familiar since I’d already done that for five years as a head coach.
“As far as the transition between Juco to Division 2, I don’t think there’s a huge difference. For example, at Johnson County, we played many MIAA schools and many of my players who were at Johnson County for four years have transferred to those MIAA schools. So for me, I feel like I understand the level really well.”
FHSUs finished the 2025 season with one conference win and an overall record of 3-11-3. Hagan and the team have expectations to compete for a top-four spot in the conference next season as the transition continues.
Sophomore defender Jessica Russo said the team environment has improved since Hagan arrived.
“(Having a new coach) was definitely a nerve-wracking thing at first,” she said. “But I think as soon as coach Alex came in here, it settled everybody’s nerves. I can speak for everybody on the team. We’re all very excited to have him here, and I think that he’s a great fit for us. And we’ve already come together, and it’s been such a positive environment since he’s been here.”
Hagan said when he saw the job opening, he thought it could be a good fit thanks to his family connections in the area. He was happy to receive the players’ and the university’s support upon arrival.
“I was actually traveling to go see my cousin for a wedding, and I didn’t actually see the job get posted until I came back from that wedding,” he said. “I thought it could be a really good fit because I have a lot of family that lives out in western Kansas, and I recruited the Kansas area a whole lot as well. So that’s made me feel really comfortable.”
Freshman defender Ellie Damico said she is excited about the new coach, and she’s seen a change in practice already.
“We’re all college athletes because we all have ambition, and so I think we have the talent on the team, and we have the coaches and all the right pieces to be able to do a lot,” she said. “And so I think we definitely want to win in our conference, be in the top four, like Alex has said, and I think we have all the talent to do that.”
Hagan said he is excited about the resources he and the team have in Hays. He believes he has found a home with people who aim for success.
“For me, it felt like home,” Hagan said. “I just wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think it could feel like home in a place where I could do something special. The people here are what sold it to me. Obviously, the facilities and stuff are great. That’s all great, but it’s kind of materialistic things.
“For me, it’s more about the relationships and the people, and seeing a group that looks determined — like they want to be successful — that goes a long way for me.”
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