ADM names Tom Horton as new head boys soccer coach
ADM recently announced that Tom Horton has accepted the position of head boys soccer coach at ADM pending board approval.
Horton is a familiar face to ADM boys soccer as he has been an assistant coach in the program for 18 years. He will take over head coaching duties from longtime ADM boys soccer coach Bill Shields, who announced his retirement this fall. Horton started his tenure at ADM as assistant in 2005 and has been a key part of the success of the ADM boys soccer program, including multiple trips to the state tournament. ADM has advanced to the semifinals of the state tournament twice during Horton’s tenure at ADM. He has also served as a team coach for Vision Soccer Academy in Waukee since 2015. While coaching soccer, Horton has also been relentless in professional development as he earned his USSF E & D licenses.
“I am honored, privileged, and excited to have the opportunity to lead the ADM boys soccer program," Horton said. "I am blessed to be able to continue being a part of the ADM community in this new role. Coach Shields has laid a great foundation for a successful program and I intend to continue that tradition and take the program to the next level.”
Horton graduated from Wartburg College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Spanish Studies and again in 2000 earning a second Bachelors from UNI majoring in MIS. During his time at Wartburg, he wrestled his freshman year, played varsity soccer for four years, and also attained his coaching authorization. Horton began working for Principal Financial Group in 2000 where he met Bill Shields. In the spring of 2005 Horton began coaching as an assistant at ADM for boys soccer.
Tom and his wife Melissa have two kids - Kenneth (17) and Alivia (13). They live in Urbandale. Tom is a Denver, Colorado native, while Melissa is from Bloomfield. Tom and Melissa have lived in the Des Moines metro area since 2003.
“We're so excited to have Coach Horton lead the boys soccer program at ADM. Tom will do an outstanding job building on the tradition and success developed by Coach Shields," said ADM Activities Director Rod Wiebers. “Coach Horton has a tremendous vision for the development of the ADM boys soccer program and making ADM a top soccer program in the state. His experiences, knowledge, and passion for the sport of soccer are a tremendous asset to our athletes and soccer program. Coach Horton has demonstrated a passion for developing our student-athletes and helping them be their best. We are so excited to have Coach Horton lead our boys soccer program.”
This article originally appeared on Dallas County News: ADM names Tom Horton as new head boys soccer coach
