Austin College Men's Soccer

Austin College has tabbed Taylor Goyen as its new head men's soccer coach, athletics director David Norman has announced. Goyen is a 2019 graduate of Austin College and most recently served as an assistant for both the men's and women's programs at Ranger College. "I want to thank David Norman and President Steven O'Day for the opportunity to return to my alma mater," said Goyen. "Austin College had an enormous impact on my development as a student-athlete, and I am beyond grateful to be able to return to the institution that has done so much for me." Goyen, a native of Frisco, was a midfielder for the 'Roo men's soccer team during his time in Sherman. During his most recent stint at Ranger, he helped guide the women's program to its first ever NJCAA national ranking and a 9-1-2 overall record. He also helped lead the men's program to a NJCAA Region V finals appearance. "We are thrilled to welcome Taylor back to Austin College as our new head men's soccer coach," said Norman. "Taylor's love for the College and our program, as well as his passion for the game of soccer and first-hand experience as an NCAA Division III student-athlete, make him an ideal fit to lead the Kangaroo men's soccer team." Prior to coaching at Ranger, Goyen worked as an assistant for both the men's and women's programs at Sul Ross State University during the 2020-21 academic year, helping lead both Lobos programs to the American Southwest Conference Tournament. Goyen worked with the goalkeepers at SRSU, coaching the keepers for both programs to All-Conference and Player of the Week accolades during the season. Goyen worked as an assistant coach for the Schreiner University women's program during the 2019-20 campaign, helping the Mountaineers to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament, and before heading to Schreiner he served as a student assistant for former head coach Mark Hudson at Austin College during the 2018 season.  "I want to thank Mark Hudson for the support throughout my playing and coaching career," said Goyen. "I am forever grateful, and I am excited to create a culture of long-term success at Austin College." Goyen earned SCAC Academic Honor Roll recognition during his time at Austin College, while appearing in more than 40 games and helping lead the 'Roos to the SCAC Tournament, and holds a USSF D license.

Russell Gray received a Masters Degree in Soccer Coaching and Team Management from The Real Madrid Graduate School in Madrid, Spain. While pursuing his degree, Gray also participated in coaching clinics at several professional clubs in Spain and Portugal, including Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, FC Porto, Sporting Braga FC, and SL Benfica. In Spain, Gray also volunteered as an assistant coach for a top-tier boys U16 academy team in Madrid. In the United States, Gray was a volunteer assistant coach in 2022-2023 for his alma mater, LeTourneau University, after his college career playing soccer concluded. Grays coaching background also includes stints as the Head Coach for two separate competitive teams at LALIGA Academy Dallas as well as with the FC Dallas youth program. At LALIGA Academy Dallas, Gray coached both of his teams to undefeated championship seasons in 2023.   Gray played collegiately for four years at LeTourneau University, starting in 62 of 68 career matches. He received All-Conference and Academic All-Conference honors three times each from the American Southwest Conference. From 2019-2022, Gray led LeTourneau both in total goals scored and total points. He was elected team captain for two consecutive seasons and was also the only soccer athlete in ASC conference history to win the Conference Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year Award on two separate occasions. Gray received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from LeTourneau University. He holds many coaching licenses and certifications through the USSF, UEFA, and United Soccer Coaches and is currently pursuing his UEFA C License from the Scottish Football Association and his National C License from the United States Soccer Federation. He is also a certified classroom teacher through the Texas Education Agency and has received formal training in Mental Health First Aid. Originally from Plano, TX, Gray was a standout three-sport athlete in high school, playing for both the FC Dallas youth and Liverpool International Academy programs. In his free time, Gray enjoys attending international soccer matches and spending time with his family.