University of Richmond Athletics
Note From Coach Jeff Gettler
We are quickly approaching our 30th anniversary of men's soccer at the University of Richmond. The University and the Athletic Department have taken steps to help men's soccer continue its rich history of success and begin a new legacy in search of even larger goals and accomplishments.
Our soccer program plays at First Market Stadium, a state-of-the-art lit stadium on a beautifully smooth Bermuda grass surface. We have consistently ranked nationally among the top Division I schools for game attendance even with our relatively small student body. Our locker rooms, meeting rooms and film areas are all first-class.
Just as the University searches for outstanding academic talent, we are looking for student-athletes who show great potential to further build on our existing success. We desire student-athletes who strive to excel in all areas - academically, physically, psychologically and in the game of soccer. Furthermore, we seek student-athletes who challenge themselves to reach new limits when their existing goals are attained.
We had consecutive conference Player of the Year honorees in Craig Ziadie (2000) and Shawn Alexander (2001 Defensive Player of the Year). These two former captains further respresented the men's soccer program as they were named national All-Americans, selected as Spider Club Student-Athlete of the Year and drafted by professional clubs. In addition to numerous all-region and all-state teams, Craig Ziadie ('00) and Bret Myers ('02) were two-time selections to the NSCAA Academic All-American Team. Last season, both current captain Tim Bezbatchenko and Chris Zuk received the same honor.
In athletics, the toughest challenge is starting from the beginning to reach new goals and successes. Many times, the hardest part is building the foundation to begin a new quest for championships. With two NCAA Tournament appearances in the past five years and ten seniors on this year's squad, the foundations have been set.
We want student-athletes who are interested in pursuing these types of challenges. In order to continue the success of our program, we want student-athletes who are risk-takers and are willing to accept a leadership role.
If you want to be a part of a quest like ours ... if you want to challenge yourself to the fullest ... if you want to continue building Richmond soccer and contribute to doing things the right way, then ...
WELCOME TO RICHMOND MEN'S SOCCER