Former Maroon Standout Returns to Alma Mater
SALEM, Va. --- Ryan Pflugrad '02 will serve as the new head coach of the Roanoke College men's soccer program announced by Director of Athletics, Scott Allison, on Tuesday. Allison retired from coaching after 27 years at the helm of the program, and will stay on as Athletic Director.
"We're pleased to have Ryan Pflugrad lead our program. Ryan's experience as an NCAA Division I Associate Head Coach has prepared him well for success at any level. He's accustomed to competing for championships," said Allison. "Most importantly, Ryan's roots in NCAA Division III run deep. Our student-athletes will benefit from his perspective and experience."
Pflugrad returns to Salem after spending six-years as Associate Head Men's Soccer Coach at the University of Denver. While at the NCAA Division I program, Pflugrad put together five nationally ranked recruiting classes and helped build the program to two conference championships. He also coached the team to multiple national rankings, three MLS SuperDraft picks and the school's first two NCAA Division I tournament appearances (2008, 2010).
Prior to his time in Denver, Pflugrad spent a year as Assistant Coach at Wake Forest University. In that year, the Demon Deacons won an ACC regular season championships and went to their first ever NCAA men's College Cup. He helped guide Wake Forest to an 18-3-4 record, with 10 wins over nationally ranked teams.
From 2002-2006, Pflugrad worked a series of assistant positions to break into the coaching world. While earning his master's degree at Goucher College, he also served as Assistant Women's Soccer Coach from 2002-03. From there, Pflugrad moved to Johns Hopkins, serving as Director of Athletic Games Operations. In the fall of 2004, he took his first men's assistant coaching position at Elon University. He then returned to Goucher College and served as Interim Head Women's Soccer coach in the spring of 2005. Pflugrad landed his last position before heading to Winston-Salem, at High Point University, where he was Assistant Men's Soccer Coach for 2005.
"I am elated to have the opportunity to lead the rich tradition of the Roanoke College Men's Soccer Program," said Pflugrad. "As an alumnus, I know that success here at Roanoke College includes both on field achievement as well as an unparalleled student athlete experience. Filling the shoes of a coach and mentor as accomplished as Coach Allison is a formidable task, but it is a challenge that I am looking forward to"
Pflugrad inherits a men's soccer program that is coming off of one of its strongest years to date. The Maroons finished the 2012 season as ODAC Champions for the ninth time in program history, sending the team to its sixth NCAA Tournament appearance. Five of Roanoke's seven 2012 All-ODAC players will also return to the squad in 2013.
Pflugrad received his bachelor's degree from Roanoke College in 2002, where he was a four-year member of the men's soccer team. He is the career leader in game-winning goals as a Maroon, netting 12 in total. He also ranks ninth all-time in goals scored (30), 11th in points (76), fourth in shots (193), and third in shots on goal (95).
Pflugrad's position will begin effective January 1, 2013.
--- This release is courtesy of the Roanoke College sports information department. ---
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