EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Marshall Ray has announced his decision to step down as head men's soccer coach at the University of Evansville. The alum of the Purple Aces program has directed the squad to back-to-back appearances in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship Match. His decision was made to spend more time with his family.
"The University of Evansville is a special place and a cornerstone of our community. I am thankful for the time I have spent here as a student-athlete, assistant coach, and as the leader of our men's soccer program," Ray said. "I am forever grateful for the opportunity and leave with a heavy heart. It was not an easy decision, but after several conversations with my family we decided it was the right time to step away."
"I want to thank Ziggy and Prez P. for their support through this process and ensuring a smooth transition for our student-athletes," Ray continued. "Our program and the department will continue to move forward under their leadership. I am excited for Robbe and know that our program is in good hands. I will always be an Ace and look forward to continuing to follow and support all of our teams."
Ray was named the sixth head coach in program history on December 8, 2014. He first stepped foot on campus as a player in 1995 before returning as the top assistant in 2006 and was named the 2013 NSCAA Midwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year. A successful stint as head coach saw the program record double digit victories in 2016 and 2017, marking the first time since 1995-96 that the program accomplished the feat. With consecutive trips to the MVC Championship Match, the program is set up for even more success moving forward.
UE Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth "Ziggy" Siegfried has named Robbe Tarver as the Interim Head Coach through the fall season of 2023.
"As a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach, Marshall Ray has made a lasting impact on our program. He bleeds purple and loves the University of Evansville," Siegfried exclaimed. "I fully support Marshall's decision and know that he will continue to be an active supporter and advocate for our program in the Evansville community. We wish Marshall, Julia and the entire Ray family all the best!"
"Moving forward, I have full confidence in Robbe and his ability to lead our men's soccer program. He understands the university, community and the importance of our strong men's soccer tradition at UE," Siegfried added. "He puts in the work and understands the importance of winning on and off the field while placing a genuine focus on the student-athlete experience."
Since joining the program in January of 2020, Tarver's impact on the program has been undeniable. Highlighted by the conference championship success, the team has made noticeable strides in the time that Tarver has been on staff. In his three seasons, the program has accumulated three MVC Freshman of the Year honorees. In 2022 alone, the program had four All-MVC and four All-West Region honorees.
During his tenure on the Aces staff, Tarver has contributed in multiple facets that include recruiting, the operation of training sessions and academic performance. As a whole, the program has recorded a GPA of approximately 3.3 over the last three years.
"I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Purple Aces program. I am thankful for the trust the University and Ziggy have shown in me, as well as the time spent working with and learning from Marshall," Tarver remarked. "The foundation has been laid for us to continue our upward trajectory and I am very enthusiastic about being entrusted to guide our players in the pursuit of that growth as a program and as individuals."
Prior to his arrival in Evansville, Tarver spent three seasons as a volunteer assistant coach with the University of Louisville's men's soccer program under current head coach John Michael Hayden and former head coach Ken Lolla. He assisted in opposition scouting, daily operations of training, recruiting organization and travel coordination. Tarver began his coaching career at his alma mater – Centre College. In three seasons as an assistant, his squad won its first SAA title while making its fifth NCAA appearance.
