West Liberty University Men's Soccer

Sean Regan enters his seventh season as head coach of the West Liberty University men’s soccer program, having led the Hilltoppers to three consecutive Mountain East Conference Tournament appearances. In 2024, Regan’s squad posted a 6-10-3 record. Three Hilltoppers — Zachary Forehand, Jasper Newton, and Cormac McGinley — earned All-MEC Honorable Mention honors, while Lachlan Quate was named to the MEC All-Freshman Team. Since taking over the program in 2019, Regan has helped develop several standout student-athletes. During his tenure, West Liberty has produced two First Team All-MEC selection, six Second Team honorees, 10 Honorable Mention picks, and four players named to the MEC All-Freshman Team. A well-known figure in Ohio Valley soccer circles, Regan was no stranger to the local soccer scene when he took the reins at West Liberty in March 2019. The son of Bethany College Hall of Famer and longtime Wheeling University coach Jim Regan, Sean grew up immersed in the game. As a collegiate player, he earned All-Conference honors on a pair of nationally ranked teams under his father at WJU before transitioning into coaching. Regan began his coaching career in 2005 as an assistant at Washington & Jefferson (Pa.), helping guide the Presidents to their first-ever PAC title and NCAA Tournament berth in 2007. The following year, he took over as head coach at Bethany College, his father’s alma mater. During his 10-year tenure at Bethany, Regan developed numerous All-PAC performers and guided the Bison to multiple postseason appearances, including a run to the ECAC regional semifinals in 2010. That same year, he was named the PAC Coach of the Year. Regan and his wife, Rikki, reside in Wheeling with their two sons, Liam and Declan.

Entering his first season as Graduate Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach, Santiago Bruni brings a strong academic and athletic background to the sidelines at West Liberty University. A 2024 graduate of Bethany College, he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with concentrations in Sports Management and Marketing. A five-season standout for the Bethany Bison, he appeared in 67 games and started 62, earning recognition as a two-time All-PAC selection and Academic All-District honoree for the 2024–25 season. Bruni served as team captain during his junior and senior years, helping guide the Bison to the 2021 PAC Championship, the program’s first title in over two decades. He was named Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and received the Male Sportsmanship Award in 2024–25. He was a member of the PAC Academic Honor Roll every year and maintained a 3.89 GPA, earning Dean’s List honors every semester. Beyond the field, Bruni was selected for the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in 2025 and the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in 2024. His campus involvement included serving as Chair of both the Global Culture’s Club and the Sports Studies Honor Society. He also contributed to the college community as a staff member for Bethany Soccer Camps and was named Homecoming King. Professionally, he gained valuable experience as a volunteer video analyst for Southport FC, interned with the Bethany College Athletic Department, and worked as a data analyst at Oglebay Resort. He holds multiple certifications including PFSA Levels 1 and 2 in Opposition & Performance Analysis, APFA credentials in Set-Piece and Individual Player Development, and the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. He is also certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid for adults, children, and infants. Santiago Bruni is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration and is the son of Maria and Jorge Bruni.

Zach Rycroft enters his first season as assistant coach under Head Coach Sean Regan. A four-year member of the Hilltoppers squad, Rycroft served as team captain in his final season and was named to the MEC All-Academic Team during his collegiate career. Coach Rycroft acts as the Recruitment Coordinator for the program.  Originally from Northampton, England, Rycroft adds a well-rounded playing and coaching background to the staff. Before enrolling at West Liberty, he spent two years developing his game in both Spain with FC Málaga City and Australia with APIA Leichhardt Tigers. His coaching journey began at age 18 when he stepped in to lead his younger brother’s U16 team after their coach departed—an experience that sparked a deep passion for coaching. Rycroft, currently a Graduate Assistant for Housing earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from West Liberty and is currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Fraud and Forensic Accounting.  He holds a U.S. Soccer National C License and is on track to complete his B License in December 2025. Zach is the son of Rachel and Jeff Rycroft.