SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant University is thrilled to announce 2022 NCAA Championship soccer coach Ruben Resendes is the next head coach of Bryant University’s men’s soccer program. Bill Smith, Bryant’s Director of Athletics, made the announcement.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome coach Resendes and his wife Kate and daughters Ainsley and Gabriella into our Bulldog family,” said Smith. “The interest in the head coach position at Bryant University was incredible, a tribute to the hard work of the coaches, staff, and the members of our men’s soccer program. The coaching accolades, recruiting network and proven track record of success that Coach Resendes brings to Bryant made him the perfect fit to lead our program into the future. I would like to personally thank Nate Kronewetter for serving as the interim coach of our men’s soccer team this past season and for all of his contributions to the program.”
“Our Bulldog Athletic program keeps growing stronger. As a former pro player and exemplary coach, Coach Resendes brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to our men’s soccer team,” said Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “We’re excited to see where he takes our student-athletes.”
This past season, Resendes ushered Franklin Pierce’s men’s soccer team to the NCAA Division II Championship. Under his guidance for four seasons, the team consistently ranked in the top 10, including a No. 1 ranking this season, before claiming the national title. The Ravens finished 25-0-1 overall, tying the record for highest winningest percentage for a school to claim a national title in NCAA history.
“I would like to thank President Gittell, Director of Athletics Bill Smith and Deputy Athletic Director John Ruppert for giving me the opportunity to lead Bryant University men’s soccer at a crucial time as the program continues to transition into one of the most competitive soccer conferences in the country,” said Resendes. “It was very clear from the moment I stepped on campus that the vision and ambition they have for Bryant Athletics and the men’s soccer program matched my motivation and drive for success. I look forward to creating a championship culture and a tradition of excellence both on and off the field here at Bryant. One that alumni, family & friends of the program, and the local soccer community will be proud to support. My wife (Kate), daughters (Ainsley & Gabriella), and I could not be more excited to join the Bulldog family!”
“I would like to thank President Mooney, Athletic Director Rachel Burelson, Associate Athletic Director Jen McKilop, and Assistant Athletic Director Zach Emerson for the opportunity to lead the men’s soccer program at Franklin Pierce over the last four years,” added Resendes. “I would also like to thank all of the players, staff, local community, and alumni for making my time at FPU so special. I wish the program nothing but success moving forward.”
Champions of the Northeast-10 Conference for the second year in a row, Resendes and the Franklin Pierce coaching staff were recognized as the United States Soccer Coaches as the East Region Coaching Staff of the Year for both years. Prior to arriving at Franklin Pierce, Resendes was the top assistant coach at the University of Vermont, helping guide the Catamounts to an America East Conference Championship in 2017. He also served as the head coach at Dean College, where he helped transition the program to the NCAA level. During his time at Dean, Resendes posted a 33-3 record, winning the regular season championship with a 16-1 record and earning East Region Coach of the Year honors. He also worked with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer as scout for the First Team and Academy and coached the U23 and Academy teams.
The Fall River native played two seasons at the New England Revolution Academy before enjoying a successful career at Southern New Hampshire University where he earned All-America honors and three All-Region selections.
Bryant University is a Division I member of the America East Conference. The men’s soccer playing institutions include University at Albany, Binghamton University, University of New Hampshire, NJIT, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the University of Vermont.
What They’re Saying about Coach Resendes
Marc Hubbard – University of New Hampshire Head Coach
“Ruben has been built for this since I recruited him in high school. He has great energy, works very hard and has a high soccer IQ. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow as a player and coach and he has made an immediate impact in every program he has touched. The America East and Bryant is much stronger today and I couldn’t be happier for his entire family.”
Jim DeRose – Bradley University Head Coach
“Ruben is truly one of the elite young coaches in the country as is evident by his record of success in all of his previous positions. He is a dynamic leader, with an infectious personality and is incredibly passionate in his pursuit of excellence. Ruben's work ethic, tactical acumen, on-field coaching, preparation, and attention to detail are second to none. Those traits, coupled with his ability to recruit and mentor talented student-athletes domestically and internationally, in my opinion, will lead Bryant University to regional and national success in the very near future.”
Richie Weinrebe – Northeastern University Head Coach
“Exciting Time ahead for Bryant University soccer! With Ruben, you get a fantastic coach and person who understands what it takes to win in the America East and on the national stage. He is a tremendous recruiter and has the ability to connect and develop young men, not only as great soccer players, but as great people. Bryant Soccer couldn’t be in better hands and I look forward to watching the group compete for championships and thrive under his guidance.”
Rob Dow – University of Vermont Head Coach
“Coach Resendes is an exciting hire for Bryant University and for the America East Conference. Ruben’s success at all levels speaks for itself. What stands out about Ruben is his tremendous work ethic and passion for developing student-athletes. The Bryant University community will be a great home for Ruben and his family. Welcome back to the America East Conference, coach Resendes!”
Josh Taylor – Southern New Hampshire University Head Coach
“I have known Ruben for a very long time, and he has one of the brightest soccer minds around. Ruben cares deeply for his players and will set up a competitive environment for his players to really develop. Bryant University is getting a confident, passionate, and extremely hard-working coach. Ruben has been successful everywhere he has been, and I have no doubt he will continue the trend at Bryant.”
Pat Ouckama – DC United, Major League Soccer Head of Youth Development, Academy Director
“Ruben’s record speaks for itself; the wins/losses, the recruits he is able to attract and the development of programs that are consistently competing for championships. What sets him apart, however, is that few coaches combine that relentless will to win with a genuine care for each individual player. I know first-hand that Ruben is one of them. This is a home run for Bryant. With him at the helm, success, in every sense of the word, is on its way.”
About Bryant University
For nearly 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The University delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, STEM and the liberal arts. Located on a 428-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 49 countries. Bryant is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron’s. Visit https://www.bryant.edu/.
