Joshua Kiper is entering his 4^th season as the head soccer coach for the Fighting Koalas.

Kiper came to Columbia College from Lakeland Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Fl, where he led the men's soccer program from 2005-07. In his last year, Kiper's leadership resulted in a showing in the regional finals of the state tournament. Prior to coaching at Lakeland, Joshua was the director of youth soccer leagues at the Plant City YMCA in Tampa, FL. In 2007 Kiper received his National Diploma coaching license from the NSCAA.

Kiper graduated from Southern Wesleyan University as a four year starter and career record holder in assists. While competing for the Warriors, he was also named to the all-conference team for what is now the Southern States Athletic Conference and to the NCCAA all-region team. Kiper also graduated from Southern Wesleyan with four Bachelor of Science Degrees in Business Administration, Accounting, Recreation, and Sports Management.  He received his advanced national coaching diploma from the NSCAA in 2009.

At Columbia College after his 1^st year of recruiting the Koalas made their first ever appearance in the SSAC Conference tournament. Then after the 2^nd year in recruiting the Fighting Koalas saw a couple of more firsts, reaching most wins in a season as well as player’s receiving individual honors through the SSAC conference. Coach Kiper states, “The program is really thriving and I am very excited about the future. With the players returning and the ones that we are recruiting I believe we can accomplish a couple of big things for the fall of 2011 season.”

Joshua resides in Lexington, SC with his wife Shena and their children Joshua, Jaxon, and Jordyn.