Courtesy of Ashland's Sports Information Department
Ashland, Ohio -- Ashland University has named Nick Roberts as it head men's soccer coach. Roberts comes to AU from Urbana University, where he worked as the head coach since 2008. Under his guidance Urbana became a consistent winner on the conference, regional and national levels.
"In Nick Roberts we're getting a complete soccer coach," said Ashland University athletic director Al King. "He's respected throughout the country for what he accomplished at Urbana. Nick is a thorough teacher, an exceptional communicator and coach who understands X's and O's. As a head coach he's been known as someone who's adept at developing the total student-athlete. When you talk to him you see early on that he has a firm grasp of life's big picture. I believe he's going to be an excellent role model for the young men in our soccer program."
"I would like to thank President Campo, Mr. Al King, Athletic Director at Ashland University and the entire men's soccer search committee at Ashland University for the opportunity to lead the men's soccer program," Roberts said. "I am extremely excited to start this next chapter in my coaching career. I thank the committee for their time and efforts in this process. I would also like to thank Mr. Larry Cox, Executive Director of Athletics at Urbana University, for his outstanding support."
Roberts led the Blue Knights to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2015 and 2016. His soccer team was the first and only team in school history to be selected to the NCAA postseason. Since 2015 his teams have gone 55-30-9. In 2017 Urbana was ranked 12th in the nation.
Roberts was the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2012 and the Mountain East Coach of the Year in 2016. Urbana boasted the regional staff of the year in 2016.
During his tenure at Urbana Roberts coached 40 players who earned all-region honors. He coached four All-Americans.
The Urbana men's soccer team also performed admirably in the classroom. His 2015-16 team had a team grade point average of 3.72. For the Fall, 2017 semester the team grade point average was 3.61.
When Roberts began at Urbana the program was a NAIA entrant. It was under his direction that the program took off and eventually made the move to NCAA Division II. Along the way he toughened the schedule and increased the scope of recruiting.
Roberts is no stranger to the Eagle soccer program. He's coached against AU on several occasions. The last of those matchups came in 2012 on a rainy evening late in the season when Urbana scored early and held on for a 3-1 victory.
"I have known Ashland University for many years, the location, the academic offerings, teaching and NCAA Division II athletic programs are known and highly regarded across the country," offered Roberts. "After many years in the NCAA Division II arena as a head soccer coach I am looking forward to continuing to lead the storied history of Ashland University men's soccer."
Prior to taking over at Urbana, Roberts served as an assistant coach at Wittenberg (2006-2008) and Kenyon (2001).
The new AU coach also enjoyed a stint in professional soccer. He was an assistant coach and the head scout for the Columbus Crew from 1997 to 2001.
"Nick's experience base is one of the things that set him apart during our search," said King. "We've been able to attract a coach whose experienced success in college soccer, has spent considerable time on the professional level, and has worked with players of all ages all over the world. He's been exposed to the full menu of what soccer has to offer."
Other stops along the way for Roberts include Director of Coaching and Player Development, Santa Rosa United, California (2002-2006), Director of Coaching and Operations, Columbus East Soccer Association (1995-2002) and Columbus USISL Professional Team Head Coach (1995-97). Roberts was also the Founder and President of Premier Sports Group International LLC (1997-2010), which directed over 40 overseas tours for approximately 1,700 youth soccer and collegiate soccer players plus professional teams. He organized travel and tournament entry and competition for over 2,000 youth players and parents to Europe over a 13-year period.
The new AU head coach is a 1994 graduate of Mercyhurst University. He played soccer for the Lakers.
Roberts takes over the program from Oliver Slawson, who left AU for the position of Associate Head Coach at Coast Carolina University. In 2019 the Eagles went 6-11-1, 6-7-1 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The 2018 team captured the GLIAC Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Division II postseason.
"I am looking forward to meeting the student-athletes, new colleagues and alumni to begin the work of developing the continued success of the program," said Roberts. "Working with student-athletes as a team but also with the philosophy of 'Accent on the Individual," I seek to continue success on the field, in the classroom and beyond."
