The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) men’s soccer program was established in 1974 and has since become a prominent team in NCAA Division I soccer. Competing in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the Rebels have a storied history marked by significant achievements and contributions to collegiate soccer. The team plays its home games at the Peter Johann Memorial Field, a venue named in honor of a former UNLV soccer player.
One of the program’s early highlights came in the 1980s when the Rebels made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. They reached the Round of 16 in 1983, 1985, and 1987, showcasing their competitive edge on the national stage. The team continued to build on this success, securing conference tournament championships in 2014 and 2016. Notable players from this era include Robbie Ryerson, who earned First-Team All-American honors in 1985, and Sal Bernal, who was recognized as a Second-Team All-American in 2013 and a Third-Team All-American in 2014.
The current head coach of the men’s soccer program is BJ Craig, who took over in January 2022. Craig brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Oregon State, Notre Dame, and Louisville. Under his leadership, the team aims to continue its tradition of excellence both on and off the field. Academically, the men’s soccer program has excelled, with numerous players earning academic honors and contributing to the university’s reputation for student-athlete success. The program emphasizes the importance of balancing athletic commitments with academic responsibilities, fostering an environment where players can thrive both on the field and in the classroom.
The UNLV women’s soccer program was established in 1998 and has quickly grown into a competitive force within the Mountain West Conference. The team has made several NCAA Tournament appearances, with their first coming in 2004. They have consistently been a strong contender in the conference, winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament in 2004 and 2016.
Under the leadership of current head coach Jenny Williams, who was appointed in December 2019, the program has continued to develop and achieve success. Williams, a former UNLV player herself, brings a deep understanding of the program and a commitment to excellence. Her tenure has seen the Rebels continue to build on their competitive success, with players regularly earning conference and national accolades. Associate head coach Jenna Olson, a former standout goalkeeper for the Rebels, also plays a crucial role in the team’s development.
Academically, the women’s soccer program at UNLV has been committed to the holistic development of its student-athletes. The team has consistently achieved high academic standards, with many players earning spots on the Mountain West All-Academic Team. The program’s focus on academic excellence ensures that players are well-prepared for life beyond soccer, contributing to their overall success and development as individuals.
Both the men’s and women’s soccer programs at UNLV have a rich history of athletic and academic achievements. The men’s program, with its early successes in the 1980s and recent conference championships, has established itself as a formidable presence in collegiate soccer. The women’s program, though younger, has quickly risen to prominence with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and conference titles. Both programs emphasize the importance of academic success, ensuring that their student-athletes excel both on and off the field. As they continue to build on their legacies, the UNLV soccer programs remain a source of pride for the university and its supporters.