Gigantic coaching change in college soccer

[TennZip]

Vermont won the national championship in 2024.

 

Rob Dow, the head coach of that team, is now the new head coach of Penn State.

The excellent teams in the American East continue to lose their coaches to the Power conferences

New Hampshire had tremendous teams in the early part of the decade.   At the end of 2023, NC State hired New Hampshire head coach Marc Hubbard.  In Hubbard's 2nd year at NC State, the Wolfpack are in the final 4.

 

https://gopsusports.com/news/2025/12/11/2024-national-champion-rob-dow-named-penn-state-mens-soccer-head-coach

[Let'sGoZips94]

Embick deserves everything for his loyalty and commitment to Akron for all these years. Incredibly thankful for him.

[Zip_ME87]

Agreed @Let'sGoZips94. I've been critical in the recent past, but the college landscape has changed significantly, and Jared and staff continue to adapt. We are extremely fortunate for their commitment. Hopefully, UA continues to reward him as best they can within their means, and that fans, friends, and alumni continue to do our best to show our support within our means. I recently added to my contributions to the Akron Competitive Excellence fund for Zips men's soccer. Just a gentle reminder here if others want to contribute... I know any amount is greatly appreciated. 

 

If others are interested, I think this is the direct link for Men's Soccer: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/CompExFundNIL/team/MSocc

 

GO ZIPS!!! 

 

[Zip_ME87]

I also need to add that we're extremely fortunate for our Zips Men's Soccer players who have committed to Akron thanks to Jared and staff. We have a number of players who have been here for 4-5 years; others who have come in and given us 3 remaining years; and others who have come in and made a difference with less remaining eligibility. All are greatly appreciated; All are FAMILY! Looking forward to the return of so many and to meeting and welcoming the 2026 newcomers. 

[Reslife4Life]

On 12/12/2025 at 3:49 PM, Zip_ME87 said:

I also need to add that we're extremely fortunate for our Zips Men's Soccer players who have committed to Akron thanks to Jared and staff. We have a number of players who have been here for 4-5 years; others who have come in and given us 3 remaining years; and others who have come in and made a difference with less remaining eligibility. All are greatly appreciated; All are FAMILY! Looking forward to the return of so many and to meeting and welcoming the 2026 newcomers. 

Since covid how many established players have we had transfer out? I can honestly think of only one, Gyuwon Chong. I know there have been a few freshmen transfer before getting playing time but that is normal. Ashton, Mitch, Stefan, Daragh, Malik, WKWK, Dyson, Shookalook, Diogo, truly a huge group of guys to come to Akron and not transfer out. Hard to imagine any other sport retain talent like that in this era

[TennZip]

1 hour ago, Reslife4Life said:

Since covid how many established players have we had transfer out? I can honestly think of only one, Gyuwon Chong. I know there have been a few freshmen transfer before getting playing time but that is normal. Ashton, Mitch, Stefan, Daragh, Malik, WKWK, Dyson, Shookalook, Diogo, truly a huge group of guys to come to Akron and not transfer out. Hard to imagine any other sport retain talent like that in this era

Josh Hardin was a starter in 2024 and he transferred out.   I highly suspcet that was due to Pittsburgh poaching him with huge NIL dollars.