Rust Leaves Willamette after Two Seasons as Head Coach, Eight Years on Staff

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Jared Rust has chosen to leave Willamette University following two seasons as the head men's soccer coach and eight years on the coaching staff. He is moving with his family to Florida, where he will be coaching club soccer and will be working at a prep school. Rust led the Bearcats to a 19-4-4 (.778) overall record, including 11-4-4 in 2019 and 8-0-0 during the 2020-21 season this spring. He guided Willamette to a 16-4-2 record in Northwest Conference action, including wins in all eight games in 2020-21.

"Jared has done an outstanding job of leading our men's soccer program since he stepped into the head coaching role in 2019," Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Rob Passage said. "He leaves the program in good hands and should take pride in what he has been able to accomplish and what we expect will be another successful season this fall. We wish him and his family the absolute best as they move on to their next adventure."

Prior to being named head coach in January of 2019, Rust was an assistant coach for the Bearcats on two separate occasions for a total of six years (2011-13 and 2016-18). Rust was the head men's soccer coach at one of his alma maters, Simpson University in Redding, California, in 2014 and 2015.

"I am so grateful for the opportunity that Rob Passage, Leslie Shevlin, and the entire administration at Willamette have given me to lead the men's soccer program," Rust said. "The memories my family and I have made through the years of being a Bearcat will be cherished and remembered forever."

Rust experienced significant success in his two seasons as the head coach. In 2019, Willamette scored 35 goals and earned a 0.80 goals against average with nine shutouts on defense. Eight Bearcats received All-NWC honors, including four First Team selections. In 2020-21, the Bearcats went undefeated at 8-0, all against NWC opponents. WU scored 30 goals and recorded four shutouts.

"I have worked with so many great young men who put their belief and trust in me to lead them on and off the pitch through whatever obstacles came their way," Rust commented. "To my staff, thank you for always going the extra mile and putting our standard for perfection first. The program is in a wonderful place with an extremely talented young group that is going to do big things in the future. I look forward to cheering on the Bearcats and their continued success for many years to come."