Josh Oakley has been named head coach of the Spring Arbor University men's soccer program, SAU Athletic Director Ryan Cottingham announced Monday. Oakley becomes the 15th head coach in the history of the program, which completed its 52nd season in 2018.
"We are thrilled to welcome Josh as the next leader of our men's soccer program," said Cottingham. "His experience as a head coach, combined with his emphasis on student-athlete development on and off the field, is a perfect fit for our athletic department and the university. Josh is a man of strong faith, he's an excellent communicator, and he has an exceptional work ethic."
Oakley comes to Spring Arbor after spending the last eight years at Alma College. He led the Scots to many firsts, including the program's first Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) conference tournament appearance in 2014. In 2015, Alma experienced its most successful season in nearly 20 years and capped the campaign with a run to the MIAA championship match for the first time ever. The following year, Oakley guided the Scots to a 14-6-1 record – the most wins since 1999 – and their second straight MIAA tournament championship appearance. The team posted one of the best statistical defensive seasons in the nation, ranking sixth in shutout percentage with 13 clean sheets.
Before arriving to Alma, Oakley directed the men's soccer program at Asbury College (Ky.) from 2002-10. While at Asbury, he reconstructed a program that had endured thin years throughout the 80's and 90's. His 2002 team finished the season with a 9-9-2 mark, marking Asbury's first .500 season in 17 years. In 2005, the Eagles enjoyed their first winning season since 1981 and finished as runner-up in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC). Oakley was named KIAC Coach of the Year in 2005. In 2006 Asbury won the NCCAA Mid-East Region and advanced to the National Tournament. He then led the 2007 squad into uncharted waters as they captured the KIAC championship for the first time in program history and moved on to the NAIA Region XII tournament. The 2009 season saw Asbury capture its second conference crown in three years, and Oakley was again named the KIAC Coach of the Year.
Prior to his tenure at Asbury, Oakley was the top assistant coach at Eastern Illinois University from 2000-02. While at Eastern Illinois, the team garnered an 18-16-1 record, competing in the prestigious Missouri Valley Conference. Oakley helped coach EIU's Jason Thompson to the NCAA Division I scoring title (21 goals). Thompson would eventually be drafted by the MLS's Dallas Burn, and go on to win the 2004 MLS Cup with DC United.
Oakley played collegiate soccer at Indiana Wesleyan University and Monmouth College. While at IWU, he helped the team to a Mid-Central College Conference title, a district championship and a Top 25 national ranking. Oakley was one of four players to play in every match and finished the 1994 season third in scoring. He also helped Monmouth to its first ever Midwest Conference South Division Championship in 1996. For his efforts at Monmouth, he was named a two-time All-Midwest first team selection. He earned most valuable player and captain honors while he was the team's leading goal scorer his junior and senior seasons. He finished his three-year campaign at Monmouth as the program's third leading goal-scorer of all-time.
Oakley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education with a Business Administration minor from Monmouth College (Ill.) and a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Eastern Illinois University.
