HICKORY, N.C. - Following three seasons at the helm and eight total years with the program, Carlos Rubio has stepped down as head coach of the Lenoir-Rhyne men's soccer program to accept another soccer coaching opportunity.

Current assistant coach Jorge Morales, who joined the team in 2023 following Rubio's head coach hiring, has been appointed to lead the team next season as Interim Head Coach. 

A native of Colombia, Morales has lived in the US for ten years and played college soccer at Ohio Valley University and Graceland University. Prior to LR, he served as a member of the coaching staff at Benedictine College (KS).

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Soccer program," said Rubio. "I want to share my sincere gratitude to Vice President for Athletics, Daron Montgomery, for his unwavering support and leadership. Daron's vision for LR Athletics allowed us to push this program to new heights. As I move on to this next chapter, I am thrilled to see the program in such capable hands. I am fully endorsing Coach Jorge Morales to lead the Bears. Jorge has been an integral part of our success; he understands the culture, the standards, and the heart of this team better than anyone. I have no doubt that under his leadership, the Bears will continue to be a force in the SAC and on the national stage."

Rubio joined the Bears as an assistant coach in 2018 and help guide them to three NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2022 SAC Tournament Championship. As an assistant with the women's team, he was a crucial piece in leading them to their only Final Four appearance in school history in 2021. Rubio was named the head men's soccer coach in 2023 and immediately guided the Bears to their sixth NCAA Tournament in program history in 2023 and the SAC Championship game in both 2024 and 2025.

During his time as head coach the Bears had one SAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, one Academic All-American, four All-Region honorees, and 13 All-SAC selections. During his entire eight-year career on staff he coached 37 All-SAC honorees, two SAC Players of the Year, and two All-Americans. 

In addition to his duties with Lenoir-Rhyne, Rubio doubled as head coach of Hickory FC, winning the 2025 NPSL National Championship and being named NPSL Coach of the Season. 

"Coach Rubio leaving LR is bittersweet, as during my short time working alongside Carlos, it became clear that his core values are in full alignment with Lenoir-Rhyne's expectations for its coaches," states Vice President for Athletics Daron Montgomery. "That said, we are excited to have Coach Morales assume the leadership of the LR men's soccer program."