Dordt University has announced Ryan Gresse is resigning his position as men’s soccer coach to pursue other interests.
“Coach Gresse has done everything we have asked of our coaches and more. In administering the Defender Way, Coach Gresse has led the students and assistant coaches in his program well and has helped them pursue academic excellence; he has trained them to be servant leaders and led the program to its best conference finish in several seasons. His work in expanding our recruiting pool has been instrumental in broadening our scope and reach as an athletic department and university. I thank Ryan for his work in getting this program to the place where it currently is,” said Dordt Director of Athletics Ross Douma.
Gresse guided the Defenders to a 9-4-6 overall record and a 6-1-4 conference record in 2022 and a third-place finish in the league. He was named the 2022 Great Plains Athletic Conference Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the season as the Defenders advanced to the GPAC Semifinals before being eliminated in a 1-0 decision against Concordia. The 2022 season was Gresse’s fourth as the head of the Defender men’s soccer program and this year’s win total was the most for the program since 2014.
“I am incredibly grateful to Ross Douma and Dordt University for the opportunity to serve here for the past five years. This is a remarkable place that strives to glorify Christ in everything they do. My wife and I are grateful for how our time here has shaped us. I’ll miss this community, specifically my guys and staff, so much. They are a great group, and I am so proud of the work they have put in to make this program what it is. I will continue to lead to the best of my ability through the semester and continue to set up this program and future coach for success,” said Gresse.
A search for the next head men’s soccer coach will begin immediately.
