Former Concordia University Irvine distance runner and alum David Pleitez was introduced as the Golden Eagles head cross country coach in July 2026.
Pleitez brings a unique perspective to the recruiting scene after competing as a Concordia student-athlete himself, evolving as a graduate assistant coach with the program and now leading the men’s and women’s distance runners through the fall and during track and field season.
He served the past two seasons as the head cross country coach at Cal State San Marcos before returning to his alma mater.
As a CUI graduate assistant coach for two years during the 2022 and 2023 fall seasons, he worked with the team's distance teams under former head coach Keegan Bloomfield. He served as the recruiting coordinator for both the men's and women's programs as well as the director of operations. During that time, he helped the women's cross-country team earn its first national ranking at No. 19 and coached CUI's first-ever NCAA qualifier in the 800-meter run. Academically, the men's and women's teams combined for eight USTFCCCA All-Academic honors.
Prior to becoming a grad assistant, Pleitez coached at Paramount High School from 2014-2016. During his tenure, he helped coach the 4x1600 team to a school record and also helped develop 800 meter runners Daniel Mata and Zarin Redfud into college athletes. His team also became league champions in 2015.
Pleitez earned his undergraduate degree in Business Management from CUI in 2017 where he competed for the cross country and track teams. He went on to earn his graduate degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration at CUI (MCAA program) in 2024. He also attended Cerritos College and graduated from Lakewood High School in his home town.
