Two coaches at Dakota Wesleyan University — Men’s soccer head coach Luis Pulido and head cheerleading coach Traci Loecker  — announced their resignations on Wednesday, July 7.

Loecker had been in charge of cheerleading at DWU since 2013. Pulido had been the men’s soccer head coach since 2020.

DWU Director of Athletics Jon Hart said about Loecker: “She brought a strong passion for DWU and worked hard to promote and support our teams in a variety of ways. Our cheer program is in a great position for continued success thanks to her leadership and dedication.” … “I am confident in what the candidate pool will bring, and I look forward to the potential opportunities this transition creates.”

Loecker said: “I truly enjoyed coaching so many talented athletes throughout my time at DWU. I am thankful for many wonderful memories made. I am excited to see the future of the cheer program under new leadership.”

About Pulido, Hart said: “Coach Pulido had a big impact in a short amount of time with the men’s soccer program. He worked tirelessly to rebuild our roster numbers and team culture after experiencing sudden coaching changes. He is the ultimate players’ coach and a rising star in this profession. It was a joy to work with him during his time at DWU and we wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter closer to family.”

Under Pulido, DWU went 5-9-1 overall, 4-6-1 in Great Plains Athletic Conference play and earned a post-season GPAC tournament berth. Pulido coached three players to All-GPAC honors in his first season at the helm. Freshman, Nrin Maloku (Prishtine, Albania) was selected to the All-GPAC First Team, while Tyler Anderson (Monticello, Minn.) and freshman Carson Fox (Watertown, S.D.) were tabbed with All-GPAC Honorable Mention honors.

Hart said a national search is already underway for the next head coach for both programs.