Rich Wall - Soccer Coach - Ball State University Athletics

Rich Wall

Title:
Assistant Coach
Email:
rjwall2@bsu.edu

Rich Wall prepares for his second season at Ball State in 2020.

Year one in Muncie saw Wall help the Cardinals win a program-record 15 matches and finish second in the Mid-American Conference standings. Wall aided in the coaching of four All-MAC performers, two all-region honorees and 13 Academic All-MAC honorees in 2019.

Wall arrived at Ball State after four seasons as the head coach of the men’s soccer team at Lees-McRae College in North Carolina. Wall compiled a record of 35-33-5 with the Bobcats and led them to a pair of 11-win seasons while climbing as high as No. 12 in the national rankings. He was also honored by the United Soccer Coaches by being named to the “30 Under 30 Program,” which recognizes the top rising coaches in the profession.

“We are excited to be adding Rich to our staff,” head coach Josh Rife said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of a collegiate program. His inclusion into the United Soccer Coaches “30 Under 30 Program” speaks to his ability and ambition as a coach. Even more than his coaching accolades, his quality of character and integrity is second to none. We know that he will be a valuable asset to our program, Ball State and the greater Muncie community.”

Prior to joining Lees-McRae, Wall spent time as a coach in USL League Two as an assistant with Tri-Cities FC Otters and the head coach of West Virginia Alliance FC. He helped the Alliance reach the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup during one of his two seasons with the team. Wall has also spent time coaching youth soccer, including a stint with the North Carolina Olympic Development Program.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to work alongside coach Rife,” said Wall. “He and his wife are two people I’ve gotten to know throughout my life from the time they were playing professionally in Charlotte, and they’ve made this decision to join the staff very easy. I’m thankful of my wife, Jessica, for being supportive of this next step and taking it with me. I also want to wish my Bobcats good luck this fall, and the remainder of their playing careers. Lastly, I’m excited to be a Cardinal and part of the Ball State University family.”

Wall played collegiately at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina and saw action in 55 matches. His career also saw him go on to play one season in the Premier Development League for the West Virginia Chaos. Wall graduated from Gardner-Webb with a degree in sport management and has earned his United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma along with a Goalkeeper Level II certification. He also claimed a National B License with the United States Soccer Federation.