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Justin Bernaix, shown coaching a St. Louis Scott Gallagher team, is the new interim women's soccer coach at LCCC. Bernaix is also an assistant professor of English at LCCC, a former SIUE player and a graduate of Granite City High School.

GODFREY - When LCCC went looking for someone to take charge of the women's soccer program, officials only needed to go to Room 5314 in the Caldwell Building on the Godfrey campus.

That's the office of former SIUE soccer player and longtime club soccer coach Justin Bernaix, who's an assistant professor in the LCCC English Department. He's been teachng at LCCC since 2014.

In June, Bernaix was named the interim women's soccer coach, replacing Hall of Famer Tim Rooney, who announced his intent to resign last fall and stepped down following last season in November.

"The program is already so strong because of what Tim Rooney did here," Bernaix said. "I'm just hoping to continue what he started. And he started it all here."

Rooney is the winningest women's coach in junior college history and led the Trailblazers to a pair of NJCAA Division I national championships, two third-place finishes and seven other national tournament appearances.

Bernaix, 44, is a 1996 graduate of Granite City High School, where is played for another area soccer coaching legend, Gene Baker. He moved from there to SIUE, where he played for Ed Huneke, who started the men's soccer program at LCCC.

After graduating from SIUE, Bernaix got into coaching for the forerunner clubs that eventually became part of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club and he's continued to coach teams for that club.

Playing for Baker at Granite City, Bernaix learned life lessons he could later use as a coach.

"I wasn't thinking much about becoming a coach when I was playing in high school, of course," he said, "but I think Coach Baker was my inspiration for coaching.

"Once I did start coaching, I learned things from him like holding yourself accountable, respect for coaches and officials and the value of hard work. I also learned that if you can inspire players, you can motivate them."

Bernaix is also helping with the LCCC men's team while the search for a replacement for Ryan Hodge continues. Hodge recently stepped down to accept a position with De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis.

"I'm the interim women's coach, not the men's coach," Bernaix said. "They have started interviews for permanent positions."

The first post likely to be filled is that of LCCC athletic director, which could come soon. Permanent coaching vacancies also exist in baseball and men's basketball. Alex Ferguson has been interim baseball coach for more than a year and guided the Trailblazers through the 2021 fall and 2022 spring seasons.

Bernaix admitted that when he started working with the LC women's team a month ago, the situation looked a bit bleak, recruiting-wise. There were still several roster openings and time was not on his side. His connections within the club soccer community have  helped him make up lost ground.

"I also have good relationships with other coaches," he said, "and that helps too."

Hodge, the former men's coach and assistant women's coach, had landed some recruits and had commitments from internationals players as well. Bernaix finalized the pending recruits and has added more.

"I was able to meet with the five returning players and four recruits that were already in place," Bernaix said.

Among the players recently signed by Bernaix are twin goalies Kendal Chigas and Reagan Chigas from Illinois Class 1A state champion Triad and Maria Coca from Collinsville.

The five returning sophomore players include midfielder/forward Skylar Nickel from Carlinville, defender/midfielder Olivia Mouser from Roxana, defender Lauren Kirkby from Australia, forward Natalie Black from Triad and midfielder Macee Gall from Carlinville.

Recruits who had been landed by Hodge included Kailyn Aiello and Katie Peterson from Civic Memorial, Kaylee Ward from Roxana and Aulona Seferi from Gillespie.

In addition, Hodge had contacted French midfielders Clara Dotigny and Laura Douet, as well as from forward/midfielder Anaé Roberts from England. Bernaix completed the recruiting process and signed them.

Bernaix inherited nine rostered players from Hodge and said he has offers out to some other recruits as well and plans to finalize his roster at 17-18 players.

"Move-in day is Aug. 1 and 2," he said, "and preseason practice starts Aug. 3."

The first preseason game is set for Aug. 13 against a Scott Gallagher team. Other preseason games will be Aug. 20 at McKendree and Aug. 27 at Principia. The regular-season opener will be Sept. 8 at LCCC's Tim Rooney Stadium against Wabash Valley.

"I met with Ryan (Hodge) and got a lot of information," Bernaix said. "He's helped a lot. And I have good relationships with several coaches, including Tim Strange at McKendree."

Bernaix hasn't met with Rooney, but he appreciates the foundation left by the only women's soccer coach the Trailblazers have ever known.

"There are definitely big shoes to fill," Bernaix said. "I want to do right by the winning tradition that was established before me. It was such a strong program already.

"When I talk with recruits, it's all Tim's work that I talk about. It's his work and his success that made the program. I just want to continue the tradition."

Sports editor Pete Hayes is a 43-year journalist. He joined The Telegraph in Alton in 1982.