It would be appropriate to look at the contemporary Jim Rickard and see plenty of accomplishments worthy of induction into the Mustang Athletic Hall of Fame. But, that would be shortsighted and unfair to someone who contributed so much to the soccer program as a player before imparting even more to two decades worth of players. All of this is a testimony to a journey that started nearly 25 years ago.

Following his graduation from Richland (WA) High School in 1986, Rickard entered The Master's College where he developed into one of the greatest defenders in the history of the program. His leadership qualities were noted from the outset with his appointment as team captain, a post he would hold throughout his collegiate career. Playing sweeper, Rickard led the Mustangs to 57 victories, three postseason berths, and a pair of National Christian College Athletic Association national championships ('87 and '89) during a sterling four-year career. 

Along with his team's success came individual honors for Rickard, whose reputation as a fierce competitor and a sportsman gained positive reviews from coaches all over the country. He was named an NAIA All-American and an All-Far West selection in 1987 and 1989, an NAIA All-District III choice all four years, and the Defensive MVP of the 1987 National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament. He also finished his career as the only defender in program history to appear on the college's Top 30 scoring list, tallying 48 points (10 goals, 28 assists). 

After graduating from the college in 1990 with a degree in Business Administration, Rickard immediately became an assistant coach for the Mustangs, helping the squad to its first-ever NAIA National Tournament appearance the following fall. One year later, Rickard took over the mantle of head coach, beginning a period of unparalleled success at the college.

Over the last 20 years, Rickard has guided the Mustangs to a school-record 247 wins, sixteen playoff appearances, seven NAIA region finals, three NAIA National Tournaments ('91, '92, and '09), and a trio of NCCAA National Championships ('94, '01, and '07). He won the first of three NCCAA Coach of the Year honors in 2001 (the others were in '07 and '09). 

Although his 2001 squad won an NCCAA national crown and enjoyed a brief stay at the top of the NAIA's Top 25, the 2009 team achieved the most, winning both the GSAC's regular-season and tournament titles en route to a runner-up finish at the NAIA National Tournament. All of that earned Rickard GSAC Coach of the Year kudos and national coach of the year honors by the NCCAA and NAIA, the first time that's ever happened. His Mustangs, displaying spirited and clean play, also claimed the national tournament's Team Sportsmanship Award.

But Rickard, who has coached over 20 NAIA All-Americans and over 50 NAIA all-region/conference performers, has always been about more than accomplishments on the soccer field. To keep the team's focus on spiritual things, he maintains a year-long discipleship program with his players and has established prayer groups on the team. 

A committed husband and father, Jim and his wife of nearly fifteen years, Jolene, live in Santa Clarita with their two daughters, Michaela and Brooke, and son, Trenton. Jim earned his Master's in Business Administration from California Lutheran University in 1999, passed the CPA exam, and works at the Stewardship Services Foundation in the off-season.