Welcome New Coaches
Coaches Ruiz and Harper Join the Middle School Boys Soccer Program
Gino Ruiz – Head Coach
Coach Ruiz joins the program as head coach of the Middle School boys team this year. Coach Ruiz was a former collegiate basketball student/athlete at Ohio Valley University and has more than ten years of soccer coaching experience. Coach Ruiz currently serves as the President of Glory Soccer Club, coaching the boys 2008 team there. Coach Ruiz is a certified U.S. Soccer “D” license coach.
Gino is married to Britney Ruiz, who teaches fourth grade at Worthington Christian. They are parents to four sons, all of whom attend WC: Julius (8th), Isaiah (7th), Elijah (4th), and Justus (2nd). Professionally, Gino works at Graybar Electric as an Area Manager.
“Coaching sports through a Christ-centered environment brings me joy,” says Ruiz. “Watching the boys develop as a soccer player and a person through Christ is fulfilling. I’m excited to coach the boys and look forward to having a fun season.”
Joe Harper – Assistant Coach
Coach Harper has been a soccer fan and has played for over 20 years. He attended WC from Kindergarten through his Junior year and played throughout those years. For the last five years, Coach Harper has led a high school boys Bible study, which includes several WC soccer athletes.
Joe is married to Lindsey (Chiu) Harper (WC ’13), and they live in Columbus with their dog, Jürgen (named after Joe’s favorite soccer coach). Joe works as an insurance agent for GAD Insurance, a family-based insurance brokerage.
He is passionate about teaching young men to follow Christ on and off the field. Joe desires to use the sport of soccer as a platform to strengthen the boys’ character in Christ. He believes soccer is a fun and exciting sport that allows players to grow as athletes and men in Christ.