Wright State men’s soccer team undergoes coaching change one month before opener

Bryan Davis steps down after 10 seasons
AJ Paterson (16) looks to turn the ball up the pitch as UIC’s Max Todd moves in to apply pressure during first half action of the Horizon League men’s soccer championship game Saturday night at Alumni Field. John Cummings/Contributed photo

AJ Paterson (16) looks to turn the ball up the pitch as UIC’s Max Todd moves in to apply pressure during first half action of the Horizon League men’s soccer championship game Saturday night at Alumni Field. John Cummings/Contributed photo

Wright State announced the resignation of men’s soccer coach Bryan Davis and the hiring of Jake Slemker as head coach on Thursday. The change comes one month before the season opener.

Davis, the Horizon League Coach of the Year in 2016, coached the Raiders for 10 seasons. His final record was 86-88-15. According a press release, he stepped down to pursue opportunities outside of coaching.

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Slemker, an Englewood native who played for Wright State from 2003-06, was on Davis’ staff for eight years and was promoted to associate head coach in 2016. Prior to returning to Wright State in 2010, Slemker served as an assistant coach for two seasons at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College.

In a press release, Slemker thanked Athletic Director Bob Grant and Associate Athletic Director JoLynn Brown for believing in him.

"It really is a dream come true to be the head coach at Wright State,” Slemker said. “Wright State has given me many opportunities over the years. I've received two degrees from WSU, I played here for four years and have developed many friendships. I'm excited to continue to give back to this program and take these players to the next level on and off the field. I also want to thank my wife Kristina for supporting my dream and all that comes with coaching at the college level. I want to thank my parents for supporting me from as early as five years old in the sport of soccer. They have been there from the beginning and still come to games to watch and cheer on the team. Without them, I would have never reached this level."

Wright State finished 10-7-1 last season. It starts the season Aug. 24 at home against UNC-Asheville after playing exhibition games Aug. 11 against George Mason and Aug. 18 against Longwood.

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