Remembering and Honoring Stu Parry - Father of Akron Soccer

[Zip_ME87]

Very sorry to learn of Stu Parry's passing. 

 

 

Tribute to Stu Parry

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Stu Parry — a man who meant so much to all of us. Stu wasn't just a great coach; he was a deeply kind and generous soul, a loving father and grandfather, and a true role model whose impact reached far beyond the soccer field.

 

His unwavering dedication helped bring varsity soccer to the University of Akron, and his vision laid the foundation for one of the most storied programs in college soccer. The legacy he built continues to grow through the efforts of former players and coaches who carry his spirit forward.

 

Even at 92, Stu remained a vibrant part of our community. He was always eager to meet for breakfast, send an email, or make a call - just to talk Akron soccer. He loved hearing about the incredible young men in our program and was genuinely excited about what each new season could bring. Through the highs and lows, Stu was a constant source of encouragement and support. His love for the game and for this program never wavered. He was a Zip in every sense of the word.

 

To honor Stu's memory, our team will wear a patch on our home jerseys that simply says "Stu." It's a small gesture to recognize a man whose influence was anything but small. We now carry the torch - for Stu and for Akron Soccer - and we will continue to share our passion and pride for one of the premier college soccer programs in the country.
.
Sincerely,
Jared Embick
Head Men's Soccer Coach
University of Akron 

Edited Monday at 12:27 PM by Zip_ME87

[Zip_ME87]

https://gozips.com/news/2025/8/17/mens-soccer-akron-soccer-family-mourn-loss-of-stu-parry

 

[Zip_ME87]

I will miss seeing Stu at home and away games. I always enjoyed talking with him about Zips Men's Soccer and hearing his thoughts on the team. Thanks to Stu for starting the team that we all love and for his and his family's continued support. Rest in Peace. 🙏

 

Condolences to Stu's family.

 

 

[fknbuflobo]

A great man has passed. 

Everyone who is reading this has been touched by Stu Parry, whether directly or indirectly.

[Zip_ME87]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/legendary-university-of-akron-zips-men-s-soccer-coach-stu-parry-dies-at-92/ar-AA1KGruJ

 

[Zip_ME87]

https://www.summitcountyshof.org/1974

 

Stu Parry
Coach 1974

The man generally regarded as bringing the sport of soccer to Akron U, Parry went on to compile a record of 118 victories and only 43 losses and 4 ties. His teams defeated some of the best in the country, winning nine Ohio College Soccer Association titles and four times entered the NCAA Playoffs. He learned the sport at Western Reserve Academy where he captained the soccer team. Later he gained further honors by being named President of the National Soccer Coaches Association. When he came to Akron U there were only six recognized college teams playing soccer in Ohio. Twice he was chosen Ohio Coach of the Year, in 1966 and '68 and eight of his players made All-America a total of 13 times!

 

[TennZip]

I am very appreciative of the Beacon Journal for doing an article on Stu Parry.

 

My prayers and condolences to the Parry family.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/college/zips/2025/08/17/university-of-akron-zips-mens-soccer-first-coach-stu-parry-dies/85700993007/

[Ham]

My first year as a Zip was 1962.  We played Baldwin-Wallace with 36,000 Acme Zip fans in attendance.  Since our marching band needed to form their A single file, 

I think it was Alliquipa(?) HS band that was brought in to perform.  When we came out to warm up, we had to wait for the soccer match to end.  They were not playing B-W.  I don't think B-W even had a soccer team then.  I think soccer played Michigan State (College cup semi-finalist in '62).  I looked back , but I couldn't find season results that old. I do remember soccer playing at the highest level with all of the rest of us playing at the college division.  A great tradition was started that has been carried on!

[Zip_ME87]

 

 

[Zip_ME87]

11 hours ago, Ham said:

I think soccer played Michigan State (College cup semi-finalist in '62).  I looked back , but I couldn't find season results that old. I do remember soccer playing at the highest level with all of the rest of us playing at the college division.  A great tradition was started that has been carried on!

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1962_NCAA_soccer_tournament

 

from the 2018 Akron Men's Soccer Media Guide ...

 

Edited Monday at 12:21 PM by Zip_ME87

[Zip_ME87]

https://www.beaconjournal.com/obituaries/pwoo1259190

[TennZip]

The Beacon Journal has done an outstanding job of honoring the incomparable Stu Parry.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/college/zips/2025/08/22/akron-zips-soccer-caleb-porter-stu-parry-mls-new-england-revolution-portland-timbers-columbus-crew/85745054007/

 

"Stu Parry is the godfather of the Akron men's soccer program," Caleb Porter told the Akron Beacon Journal on Aug. 19 regarding Parry, who died Aug. 15 at the age of 92. "He is the founder. I had a great relationship with him. I had a close relationship with him. He was one of the first people that called me when I got the job [at the age of 31] and we were having lunch maybe two days later.

 

"He was a mentor to me," Porter said. "I really made a point every season to have him talk to the team because I wanted the current players to understand the founder and who he was. It is very important when you have a tradition of excellence that the current players understand they are a part of something a lot bigger than themselves. I felt it was important that they understood the man that started the program because Akron soccer didn't just fall out of the sky and become a national contender. He is the one that started it and paved the way.