Rockford University, located in Rockford, Illinois, is a private liberal arts university that offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including athletics. The university's soccer team, known as the Regents, competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and has a rich history of success. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Rockford University soccer team and highlight some of the team's achievements.
History of the Rockford University Soccer Team
The Rockford University soccer team was established in 1969, and since then, the team has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. In the early years, the team struggled to find its footing, but with the hiring of coach Steve McGonigle in 1985, the team began to experience a resurgence. Under McGonigle's leadership, the team won its first conference championship in 1990 and went on to appear in the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history.
Recent Successes
In recent years, the Rockford University soccer team has experienced a great deal of success. In 2018, the team won its second conference championship under the leadership of coach Mike Lepper. The team also appeared in the NCAA tournament that year, where they lost to eventual national champion, Messiah College.
In 2019, the team had another successful season, winning 12 games and losing only 5. The team also made it to the conference tournament finals, where they lost to Aurora University.
Player Highlights
The Rockford University soccer team has produced several talented players over the years. Some notable players include:
- Carlos Hernandez, who was named the conference player of the year in 2018.
- Ryan Schnulle, who was named to the all-conference team in 2019.
- Jason Hayes, who was named the conference goalkeeper of the year in 2018.
Coach Mike Lepper
Coach Mike Lepper has been at the helm of the Rockford University soccer team since 2014. During his tenure, the team has experienced a great deal of success, including two conference championships and two NCAA tournament appearances. Lepper has also been named the conference coach of the year twice.
Facilities
The Rockford University soccer team plays its home games at the Bob Koehler Field, which is located on the university's campus. The field has a seating capacity of over 1,000 and features a state-of-the-art turf surface.
Community Involvement
The Rockford University soccer team is committed to giving back to the community. The team participates in several community service projects throughout the year, including coaching clinics and charity games.
Conclusion
The Rockford University soccer team has a rich history of success and has produced several talented players over the years. With the leadership of coach Mike Lepper and the support of the university and the community, the team is poised for continued success in the future.
Gallery of Rockford University Soccer Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What conference does the Rockford University soccer team play in?
+The Rockford University soccer team plays in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC).
Who is the head coach of the Rockford University soccer team?
+The head coach of the Rockford University soccer team is Mike Lepper.
Where does the Rockford University soccer team play its home games?
+The Rockford University soccer team plays its home games at the Bob Koehler Field.