Joliet native Debbie Rios joins the Joliet Junior College Athletics staff as the new head coach of the women's soccer team. 

"I'm excited for the opportunity to lead these young student-athletes on the field and in the classroom," said Rios. "We will be ready to work and play hard together to continue to build this program."

"Debbie brings energy and passion to our women's soccer team, and I am looking forward to watching them succeed on the field and in the classroom," said JJC Director of Athletics Gregg Braun. 

Rios has coached the Chicago Rush Soccer Club's high school girls teams since 2014, leading them to multiple league and tournament titles. She was also the interim head coach at her alma mater, the University of St. Francis, for the 2019 fall season. 

Rios is a 2009 graduate of Joliet West, where she was a four-year varsity starter. She earned a scholarship to continue her education and playing career at the University of St. Francis, where she earned bachelor's and master's degrees in social work while scoring 17 goals and adding six assists as a four-year starter for the Saints. She also served as a graduate assistant for the team in 2014. 

"I'm very excited that Coach Rios is local product and has some very strong ties with other coaches in Joliet and the surrounding communities," added Braun. "It is my hope that JJC becomes a destination for women's soccer student-athletes to continue their academic and athletic careers."

Rios has worked at the Will County Crisis Line since 2016, supervising interns and volunteers. Her coaching licenses and diplomas include a National E License, National D License, Illinois Youth Diploma, NSCAA Level 1 Futsal Diploma, Sports Psychology and Individual Mental Skills Diploma, 11v11 Systems of Play Diploma, and a Safe Sport Certification.