Phoenix Rising announced today that Rick Schantz has been named the Head Coach of the USL Western Conference Champion squad.  In a press release, club Governor Berke Bakay stated “Rick has been a foundational leader for the soccer operations of Phoenix Rising FC since the team’s inception. He has provided continuity and uninterrupted success for the team and has worked very hard and thoughtfully to earn the title of Head Coach for Phoenix Rising FC.”

Schantz has been through two separate stints as interm head coach, first in 2017 after Head Coach Frank Yallop left the team abruptly at the start of the season, and again in 2018 when Patrice Carteron departed on the 10th of June to take a job with Egyptian side Al Ahly.

The coach previously served as head coach for PDL/USL League 2 side FC Tucson, which at the time was independent of Phoenix Rising FC, and lead the club to a 71-22-17 record as well as three consecutive divisional titles, and two US Open Cup victories over professional clubs. He was hired as an assistant for the Division II squad on January 9, 2017.

Under Schantz’ leadership, the team compiled a 12-7-1 record, placing third in the conference, and winning a Western Conference Title for the first time in club history.

“It has been the greatest learning experience of my career to serve among the stellar coaching staff at Phoenix Rising FC,” said Rick Schantz.  “I appreciate the confidence in me shown by the team’s owners, administrators, players and fans, and am incredibly honored to be named Head Coach of Phoenix Rising FC.”

The club also announced it will retain goalkeeper coach Cory Robertson and coaches (and former players) Blair Gavin and Peter Ramage.

The interim tag has been dropped.

Welcome your new official head coach, @RickSchantz1 #UpRising pic.twitter.com/7W1D5vqJZk

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) November 14, 2018