A longtime fixture in Arizona track and field, Joel Banfield joins the Puma Track & Field program as an assistant coach for sprints & high jump. 

Banfield will bring his philosophy, "education through sport and human growth through experience" and coaching style to the team this season. A decorated runner himself, Banfield brings 20+ years of coaching experience to the Pumas and will use that experience and knowledge to guide student-athletes to success on and off the field.

Banfield has been a long time track & field coach in AZ including: Arizona Puma (2002-Present); Moon Valley High School assistant, high jump (2005-2007); Ironwood High School assistant, sprints (2007-2016); Ironwood High School head coach, boys (2016-Present); Glendale Community College assistant, sprints (2015-2017).

Banfield is the owner of Banfield Performance, LLC (since 2007) and his certifications include: ISSA CPT, ISSA S&C; Brookbush Institute - Human Movement Specialist; USATF Level 1; NFHS - Accredited Interscholastic Coach.

Having had great success at the high school level, Banfield’s coaching accomplishments include: 2006 Wells Fargo Region Coach of the Year; eight HS national qualifiers; 10 individual HS State Championships; eight individual HS runner-up finishers; 15 individual HS state runner-up finishers; eight individual HS district championships; 20+ collegiate student-athletes (all divisions); seven honorable student-athlete mentions.

Banfield has a fiancé, Leah Schaper, two children Jazmin and Jayden and three step-children Jaylen, William and Jasmine.