Men's Soccer

Bud Lewis is in his 43rd season as the men’s soccer coach at Wilmington College, one of the nation’s most successful and respected Men’s NCAA Division III programs.

Approaching his 500th career victory, Lewis is among the winningest coaches in College Soccer. He currently ranks fifth in the nation among active coaches (all Divisions) and 12th overall. In NCAA Division III men’s soccer, only three active coaches have amassed more wins.

Lewis came to Wilmington following a collegiate playing career at Bowling Green State University, where he was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) All-America team his senior year and had professional stints with the Cincinnati Comets of the American Soccer League (1975) and the Buffalo Blazers in the Canadian Professional League (1976).

He attended and played for Penfield High School and played for the renowned and legendary coach, George Steitz. His senior season (1970), Lewis led his high school team to a New York state Section 5 championship. Lewis was named to the National High School All-America team.

Despite his many successes as a player, Lewis’ early years as a part-time collegiate coach at Wilmington provided very few bright moments, as the Quakers won just six of 25 games in 1975 and 1976.

Lewis began his full-time position with Wilmington in 1977 and led his 77 team to the NAIA District championship losing in the regional finals and finished with a 13-3-0 record. With his first winning season as a head coach, Lewis led his teams to 30 consecutive winning seasons including 19 Conference/ District championships and 10 national tournament appearances. During his tenure with the Fightin’ Quakers, 25 players have been named to the NSCAA All-America teams and 10 players were named to the NSCAA Scholar Athlete All-America.

Eleven of his players have been inducted to Wilmington Athletic Hall of Fame. His teams have not only excelled on the field, but in the classroom as well. His teams have received the prestigious NSCAA Team Academic Award five of the last six years.

He has been selected Coach of the Year at the conference, state, and regional level numerous times. In 2002, he received the NSCAA Letter of Commendation and in 2005 he received the NSCAA’s prestigious Bill Jeffrey Award for his long time dedication and exceptional service to College Soccer. Lewis served on the National NSCAA All-America/All Region Selection Committee (All Divisions) from 1978-95 and in 1996 was named the National Chairman and served in that capacity through 2013. He also serves on the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association’s Executive Committee from 2003 – present.   Lewis holds the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and the USSF B License.

During his coaching career, Lewis has been very active in coaching education and conducted numerous US Soccer coaching courses at the local and regional level. He was the owner and Director of All-Ohio Soccer Camps and Midwest Soccer Academy, with over 25,000 participants attending his camp programs.