Cougars prepare for new year with coaching, administrative changes

As the new school year approaches, there have been some changes in the Lassen College Athletic Department. 

Lassen College welcomes back former Cougar Khalil Amodu as the new head coach of the Men’s Soccer team. Coach Amodu was born and raised in West London, England, where he played soccer for several teams and academies before deciding to pursue a college career at Lassen College. Coach Amodu played for the Cougars from 2017-2019, graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management.

Despite joining the Cougars initially as a player, Coach Amodu’s passion had always been in coaching as opposed to playing. He started on his path to coaching at the age of 15, getting his coaching badges done early and eventually starting his own 1-to-1 development academy, during which he has worked with dozens of players from a wide range of levels. As a player, Amodu was a part of the program's 2017 Conference-winning side before going on to be named captain for his sophomore season.

“I am honored to be named the new Men's head soccer coach for Lassen College,” said Coach Amodu. “I have been a passionate Lassen Cougar ever since arriving here from the UK as a player 6 years ago. After winning the GVC title and captaining the team as a player, I am excited to bring my experience and expertise to the program from a new role as head coach. I believe that success in soccer is not just about winning games but also about developing young men into leaders and contributing members of society. I am confident that together, we can build a championship program that Lassen College can be proud of once again.”

Next up, Darren Turpin Jr takes on the role of the new head coach for the Women’s Basketball team. He brings six years of experience as the head assistant coach for the College of the Redwoods women’s basketball and two years of experience as the Interim Assistant Director of Residential Life for Redwoods. Also, while there, Turpin helped the school by temporarily serving as head coach for the College of the Redwoods Men’s Basketball team during the 2018-2019 season.

Turpin, a 2008 graduate of Dominguez High School, was a three-year varsity player and a two-year starter as a forward. Turpin helped the Dons attain the 2004 CIF-SS Div.1 Championship, 2008 CIF-SS Div. 1 Championship, 2008 CIF-Southern Regional Championship, and 2008 CIF Div. 1 State Runner-up.

Turpin then attended Navarro College in Corsicana, TX, from 2009-2011, where he was a part of the 2010 NJCAA Final Four team. He received the Junkyard Dawg Award in 2011. After graduating from Navarro College with his AA Degree in General Studies, he continued his collegiate basketball career at Humboldt State University from 2011-2013. As a Lumberjack, he was part of history, winning the University's first CCAA Tournament Championship in 2012 and appearing in the 2012 NCAA Div. 2 National Tournament. Darren received the 2013 Axe Man of the Year Award.

Turpin received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 2017 from Humboldt State University and a Master's Degree in Coaching and Athletics Administration in 2020 from Concordia University of Irvine.

“This is a dream come true,” Coach Turpin said. “I’m excited to be at Lassen College and thankful for the opportunity to coach an amazing group of student-athletes. I want to thank my family, Lassen College, and Athletic Director for trusting in my ability to lead the Women’s Basketball program. The tradition here is rich, and we will continue to add on to that.”

The final department change as the Cougars head into the new year: Will Freedman is now the Interim Director of Athletic Operations after the retirement of longtime coach and administrator Glen Yonan. Freedman will remain the Head Men’s Basketball Coach, a position he has held since 2015. Freedman is from Santa Monica, CA, and played collegiately at Cal State East Bay and professionally in Israel. He has a Master's Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration along with a Master's in Exercise Science, both from Concordia University Irvine.

“This is an exciting time for Lassen College Athletics,” said Freedman. “Right now, our department has some incredible coaches who are eager to leave their mark. I am aware of the giants who have held this position before me, and I don’t take the responsibility lightly. I look forward to seeing what these coaches and, most importantly, student-athletes do to add to the rich tradition of Lassen College Athletics.”