When Audi Henderson
approached UNLV Soccer
Coach Rich Ryerson about a
potential partnership, he
was all-in!
How long have you been at UNLV?
I am a UNLV Rebel Alum and Soccer player from 1983-86,
graduating in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration. After my collegiate playing days ended and
graduation, I was fortunate enough to chase the professional
soccer dream in Sweden and the USA for an additional 10 years. I
was fortunate enough to work in a K-12 private school in Rancho
Mirage, CA, for twelve years before returning to Las Vegas. This
was the sixth season at the helm of the UNLV Soccer Program,
serving our student athletes as the Head Coach.
What has been your proudest moment as Head Coach?
The best moment was sitting and watching our players celebrate
winning the 2014 WAC Championship in Seattle, Washington,
knowing the five year journey we took to get in that final
game.
What has UNLV Soccer meant to the City of Las Vegas?
The program has been in existence for over 40 years,
educating our local talent and producing extremely
successful members of our community. We have bankers,
teachers, hotel managers, lawyers, financial planners and
many other industrious graduates that now make Las
Vegas their permanent residence.
Tell us about the Men’s Soccer foundation?
The Foundation is being organized to supplement the
University’s financial commitment to the Men’s Soccer
program, to assist in building the most competitive
program possible. The Foundation is made up of local
business men and former players of our program.
What has the partnership with Audi Henderson
meant to the team?
Audi Henderson has taken the lead on tailgating
for our home matches and creating a home
environment that is unparalleled in the WAC
Conference. The rush my players get after
scoring and running towards the Audi Rings
displayed in our “West End,” celebrating with
the fans is incredible to witness. We have a great
mix of families, and college students mixing in the
crowd, which has been electric this season... ground
breaking! We enjoyed our largest crowd in the Men’s
Soccer history for our match against #11 Seattle and everyone
left amazed at where we have come with the efforts of Audi
Henderson. We couldn’t have done it without the dedication
of Jim Diguilio and Tim McGarry, along with Tripp Jones and the
baseball crew!
What is your vision for the future of the UNLV Men’s Soccer
Program?
Our vision is a National Championship, and consistent rankings
in the “top 15” for NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer, while using a
majority of home grown local players. We would love to grow
our fan base and increase our gate each home game, as well as
increasing our stadium capacity. We want to continue to produce
competent, confident, and socially responsible young men!
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