Emmaus Men’s Soccer: Thank you, Coach Brown
After a combined 11-years in the Emmaus Men's Soccer program, Ben Brown has announced that he is stepping away from his coaching duties as Associate Head Men's Soccer Coach.
Coach Brown departs following 8-years on the Eagles' sidelines, six of those as head coach. Brown was a 3-year men's soccer student-athlete, and went on to become the program's third head coach, following the tenures of Steve Seeman and Jack Fish.
Brown's service was marked by growth and development of the program, while continuing to root the program's foundation in Jesus Christ and His Word. "Looking back, it has been a privilege to focus on 'walking worthy of the Gospel' and living for eternity. I am going to miss coaching, but I look forward to staying involved with the Emmaus athletes and continuing to look to Jesus," said Brown.
Following his time as a student-athlete, Coach Brown returned to Emmaus in 2012, as a member of the faculty and as Head Men's Soccer Coach. Coach Brown returned to a program that had transitioned from a club sport to an intercollegiate varsity sport competing in the Midwest Christian College Conference and the Association of Christian College Athletics organizations.
In his 6th year as head coach, he continued the Eagles' competitive rise, as they transitioned into the National Christian College Athletic Association and its North Region. In 2018, as Associate Head Coach, Brown and Head Coach Dan Block, led the Eagles to their first-ever MCCC regular season and tournament championships, finishing undefeated in conference play.
Most significantly though, Coach Brown has impacted the lives of many young men for Christ through his roles with the Eagles soccer program. "I love soccer and I am as competitive as they come, but at the end of the day, what I have loved most is growing with the guys. If it was all about winning, it wouldn't be worth the time away from family," reflected Brown. "Thankfully the athletes, administration, and especially my wife have allowed me to focus on building a culture that measures success based on personal and team growth."
"I have known Ben for several years," said Athletic Director, Chris McHugh. "Ben loves the Lord, loves his family, and loves the men on his team. Even though his role on campus will change, these characteristics will carry on for him. I am thankful for his dedicated service to the soccer program, and I trust that God will continue to use the Brown family to bless and serve others."
Coach Brown will continue in his teaching role with the faculty, and will continue to be a supporter and ambassador of Emmaus Athletics. He looks forward to the additional time with his wife and four children, and remaining active in the Dubuque community and the game of soccer.