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Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC 28401
North Carolina Southeast
Public Medium Developing team
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Coaches

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C.W. Ponton

C.W. Ponton takes over the Cape Fear Women's Soccer program as Head Coach in 2022 after completing six seasons as Head Coach for the Men's Soccer program. After serving on the men's side from 2016-2021, Coach Ponton tallied 26 victories, 17 all region awards, second most goals in a season (2019 with 55), top three most goals and assists in a game (9/21/19, 10/19/19, and 10/20/18), and aided 12 Sea Devils to move on to 4-year institutions to continue their playing careers.


In 2015 Coach Ponton served as the First Assistant/Goalkeeper Coach for the Andrew College Men's Soccer team - a program then ranked as high as 16th in NJCAA Division I men's soccer polls. Prior to this in the spring of 2015, Coach Ponton served as the Jefferson Forest Middle School Head Girls Soccer Coach for one season. During the 2014-2015 school year, Coach Ponton served as an Assistant/Goalkeeper Coach with the Lynchburg College Hornets Women's Soccer team. That season, Coach Ponton helped guide the Hornets to a record of 27-0-1 winning the 2014 NCAA DIII Women's National Championship, only allowing five total goals on the season. During the spring 2014 campaign, Coach Ponton assisted as an Academy Coach for Central Virginia United located in Lynchburg, Virginia.


In 2013 Ponton led his Alma Mater, Caroline County High School (VA), as the Head Boys' Varsity and Head Boys' Junior Varsity Soccer Coach. From 2005-2017, Coach Ponton served in multiple recreation leagues, camps, schools, and academies as an Assistant Director, Head Coach, and Official. Coach Ponton currently holds his NSCAA National and Goalkeeping Level 3 Diploma.


C.W.'s favorite Sea Devil memory is hosting Alumni events where current adn former Sea Devils come together to scrimmage and bond over CFCC Soccer. He also appreciates the process of watching Sea Devil student athletes grow into young adults throghout their time at CFCC.


Coach Ponton resides in in central Wilmington with his partner Heather, their kids Tristan and AnnaBelle, and their dogs Chloe and Aly.

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Giovanni Vlahos

Giovanni Vlahos signed on as Head Men's Soccer Coach for the Sea Devils in May of 2023 and brings a rich background of experience to the Men's Soccer program. Prior to his return to Wilmington, Coach Vlahos resided in Southern California where he began scouting for the USA Men's National Soccer Organization in 2017. Vlahos was also a Coaching Education Instructor for US Soccer as well as the Executive Director of Poway Soccer Club from 2017-2020. Coach Vlahos also served as the Head Coach of Cal-South's ODP program from 2013-2018, while also serving as an Assistant Coach at San Diego State University from 2013-2014.


Before joining San Diego State's coaching staff and making the move back to California, Vlahos was a Volunteer Assistant at Duke University from 2010-2013. Prior to joining Duke's staff, he was the Head Men's Soccer Coach at Greensboro College from 2008-2010 and coached NJCAA members USC-Sumter in 2007 and USC-Salkehatchie in 2006. At the same time, he was also involved as an instructor for NCYSA and coach for NCYSA ODP programs.


Coach Vlahos continues to serve in his scouting role for the USAMNT and works with their Coaching Education branch for United Soccer Coaches. He holds a USSF (United States Soccer Federation) “A” license, a USSF National Youth license, and a Goalkeeping 3 license from United Soccer Coaches.


Giovanni resides in Wilmington with his wife, Melissa.

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Stephen Esenwein

Coach Stephen Esenwein joined the Sea Devils for the Fall 2023 season as an Assistant Men's Soccer Coach. He is a current semi-professional goalkeeper for Brunswick FC and received his degree in Sports, Recreation, and Tourism Management with concentration in Sports Management from UNC Wilmington.


Originally from Charlotte NC, Coach Stephen played for East Gaston High School and played for the SGCSA Flames soccer club. Upon graduation from UNCW, he returned to the club to coach U14, U16, and U18 age groups. Esenwein also served as the Event Manager for Belmont Recreation Youth Soccer.

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