COURTESY OF FORT SCOTT CC (2/5/26)

FORT SCOTT, Kan. - Fort Scott Community College has officially launched its new men’s soccer program and announced the hiring of Luis Pulido as the team’s inaugural head coach, marking a significant step in the college’s continued athletic growth.

Pulido brings a high-expectation, accountability-driven coaching philosophy to Fort Scott, emphasizing structure, discipline and personal responsibility both on and off the field. His approach centers on creating clear systems that allow student-athletes to thrive while holding everyone, including himself, to demanding standards.

“My philosophy is simple: I create an environment with no excuses,” Pulido said. “If I lay a strong foundation and put the right systems in place for success, then it’s up to the players to put in the work from there.”

In the program’s first season, Pulido said his goal is to make Fort Scott a regional and national contender from day one, while establishing championship-level habits that extend beyond the scoreboard.

“Success isn’t only measured by wins and losses,” Pulido said. “It’s about behaving like champions and striving for excellence in everything you do.”

Player development under Pulido will extend beyond tactics and training, with a strong emphasis on academic success, personal growth and self-sufficiency. A former educator, Pulido prioritizes classroom performance and life skills as essential components of student-athlete development.

“Academic success is our highest priority,” Pulido said. “Soccer is a privilege. You earn the opportunity to play on the field by fulfilling your academic responsibilities first.”

Athletic Director Dave Wiemers said the launch of soccer and the hiring of Pulido align with FSCC’s mission to build competitive programs rooted in accountability and student success.

“Coach Pulido brings an outstanding blend of leadership, structure and high standards,” Wiemers said. “He understands how to develop student-athletes both competitively and academically, and we’re confident he will build a men’s soccer program that reflects the values of Fort Scott Community College.”

Community engagement will be a cornerstone of the program, with players encouraged to build strong relationships on campus and throughout the Fort Scott area through service, outreach and involvement.

“The opportunity to build this program from the ground up is incredibly exciting,” Pulido said. “I want to create something the school and community can truly be proud of.”