SAN BRUNO, CA- During the 2003 fall season, the soccer community has mourned the loss of the University of Portland’s former Director of Soccer Clive Charles, who passed away in August after a long fought battle with prostate cancer. On November 8th, the West Coast Conference honored the memory of Charles and his contributions to the WCC, the University of Portland, student-athletes and the soccer community with the WCC Lifetime Achievement Award. Charles was the first recipient of the award, which was created in 2000 by the league’s Executive Committee. The conference presented the award at the Pilots’ women’s soccer contest versus San Diego on Sat., Nov. 8.
In June, Charles and the University’s national champion women’s soccer team were grand marshals of the Portland’s 2003 Grand Floral Parade. Two months later, Charles was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame for a lifetime of achievement on the soccer field, the guidance he offered athletes, and the lasting influence he has had on the lives of University of Portland soccer players. Charles also has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s United Soccer Association.
“Clive had a tremendous rapport with his student-athletes,” said Portland Athletics Director Joe Etzel. “As well as he prepared them to compete on the soccer field, he did an equally good job in preparing them for what came after their soccer career.”
Under Charles’ leadership, both Pilot men’s and women’s teams gained national prominence. Collectively, these teams have won 13 WCC championships and earned 20 NCAA playoff berths, including nine Final Four appearances in a combined 31 seasons. He was named Far West Region Coach of the Year four times and WCC Coach of the Year seven times. Under Coach Charles’ leadership, 28 University of Portland student-athletes have attained all-America status. In the history of collegiate soccer, he was only the second coach to have two teams, in the same year, competing in the NCAA semifinals.
The women’s program has earned post-season berths in 10 of the last 11 seasons. The men’s team has made 10 NCAA appearances in the last 15 years, advancing to the semifinals in 1988 and 1995. His numerous achievements include an extensive list of national coaching experiences: the U.S. Men’s National Team assistant coach in 1995, named the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team coach in 1996 for the 2000 games, and head coach of the U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team from 1993 to 1996. Several of his players have gone on to win Olympic gold medals and World Cup titles for the United States.
Quotes from around the WCC on Clive Charles:
Commissioner Michael Gilleran-West Coast Conference :
“Clive always represented his institution and our conference in a first-class manner. He won and lost with dignity and grace, and he frequently took the opportunity to promote other WCC teams in his dealings with the media. Clive was a great ambassador for his institution, our conference, and the sport of soccer.”
Head Coach Jerry Smith-Santa Clara Women’s Soccer:
“Clive was one of the best, if not the best soccer coach in the college game.”
“Coaching is not just about the “X’s” and “O’s”, but more about management of people. Clive understood what was best for the individual, the team, the program and the institution. He was able to achieve that perfect balance and that’s what made Clive Charles a great coach.”
“Many times it’s overlooked the profound impact coaches can have on student-athletes’ lives on and off the field. After graduation, players always came back to ask him for advice. That’s proof of how good he was at that. It’s a great testimony to what people thought about Clive.”
“He helped elevate this conference to being arguably the best in the country. He blazed the path in this league. It’s not possible to exaggerate the impact Clive had on soccer.”
“I looked forward to competing against Clive and Portland because it was a challenge. While there was also stress and pressure involved, there was a great deal of respect as well.”
Head coach Seamus McFadden-San Diego men’s soccer:
“Clive was the classiest guy I ever met. I love the guy. He was a tremendous loss.”
“He was a player’s coach. Whether he won or lost, he always conducted himself in a first class
fashion.”
“I remember a game at Portland when San Diego won 4-2. The loss was tough for Clive, but yet he brought me back to his office, he congratulated me, we had a couple of beverages and talked about soccer. That’s just the kind of guy he was.”
“I was ever so happy he got the monkey off his back (winning the national title last year).”
