Stoddard Promoted To Associate Head Coach
June 28, 2016 | Men's Soccer
CORVALLIS – Oregon State men's soccer's Ben Stoddard has been promoted to associate head coach, head coach Steve Simmons announced Tuesday. Stoddard has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach for the Beavers.
"Oregon State is such a unique place," Stoddard said. "Our program is on the rise and I believe we are building something special here. I am thankful for Coach Simmon's trust as we continue to work together to build the program. I am also excited about the group we have and what they represent. This opportunity to continue working with them and learning from Steve is tremendous."
Stoddard has coached the Beavers to great success in his two years with the team, which began with the team's best season in program history in 2014. The 2014 Oregon State squad won 12 matches, and earned the first NCAA Tournament win in Oregon State history, after returning to the postseason for the first time since 2003. Stoddard helped coach Khiry Shelton to Pac-12 Player of the Year honors, and helped the forward begin his professional career as the No. 2 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft.
In his second season with Oregon State, Stoddard helped the Beavers reach a number of new milestones. The assistant coach aided in leading a young OSU team to marquee wins over Marquette and Michigan State, as well as the program's first win over UCLA in a decade. For their efforts, the Beavers notched a trio of All-Pac-12 honorees, including First Team recognition for forward Timmy Mueller.
"To be certain, Ben is a rising star among the top young college soccer coaches in the country," said Oregon State head coach Steve Simmons. "His humble approach to do the less extravagant duties, natural ability to relate to the modern day college soccer player and tenacity to recruit players who fit OSU Men's Soccer and our special culture has provided him a pathway to earn this promotion. I'll continue to enjoy having Ben and his wife Heidi apart of our program and Beaver Nation."
Stoddard has served as the Beavers' recruiting coordinator during his tenure, helping the team secure two of the best signing classes in program history. The pair of signing classes have represented Oregon State on the field, in the classroom and in the community, embodying the department's "Everyday Champion" ideals.
Prior to joining the Beavers, Stoddard, a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), assisted the IWU men's soccer program from 2012-2014. He worked in all facets, helping lead IWU to their two best seasons in program history. In 2012 and 2013 IWU won back-to-back regular season conference championships, and in 2013 they also won the tournament championship, which ultimately led to their run to the NAIA Sweet 16. In his two years, Stoddard helped guide IWU to a record of 28-8-7 and a consistent national ranking within the NAIA top 15.
Stoddard played soccer for Gardner-Webb University (NCAA Division I) before transferring to IWU in 2009. He received All-Conference and Academic All-American honors during his tenure with both teams, and served as team captain at IWU. During Stoddard's collegiate career he also played PDL for two summers with the Cascade Surge (Salem, Ore.).
Stoddard is married to Heidi, who works as an OT at Good Samaritan Hospital. They both reside in Corvallis with their dog, Norton.
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"Oregon State is such a unique place," Stoddard said. "Our program is on the rise and I believe we are building something special here. I am thankful for Coach Simmon's trust as we continue to work together to build the program. I am also excited about the group we have and what they represent. This opportunity to continue working with them and learning from Steve is tremendous."
Stoddard has coached the Beavers to great success in his two years with the team, which began with the team's best season in program history in 2014. The 2014 Oregon State squad won 12 matches, and earned the first NCAA Tournament win in Oregon State history, after returning to the postseason for the first time since 2003. Stoddard helped coach Khiry Shelton to Pac-12 Player of the Year honors, and helped the forward begin his professional career as the No. 2 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft.
In his second season with Oregon State, Stoddard helped the Beavers reach a number of new milestones. The assistant coach aided in leading a young OSU team to marquee wins over Marquette and Michigan State, as well as the program's first win over UCLA in a decade. For their efforts, the Beavers notched a trio of All-Pac-12 honorees, including First Team recognition for forward Timmy Mueller.
"To be certain, Ben is a rising star among the top young college soccer coaches in the country," said Oregon State head coach Steve Simmons. "His humble approach to do the less extravagant duties, natural ability to relate to the modern day college soccer player and tenacity to recruit players who fit OSU Men's Soccer and our special culture has provided him a pathway to earn this promotion. I'll continue to enjoy having Ben and his wife Heidi apart of our program and Beaver Nation."
Stoddard has served as the Beavers' recruiting coordinator during his tenure, helping the team secure two of the best signing classes in program history. The pair of signing classes have represented Oregon State on the field, in the classroom and in the community, embodying the department's "Everyday Champion" ideals.
Prior to joining the Beavers, Stoddard, a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), assisted the IWU men's soccer program from 2012-2014. He worked in all facets, helping lead IWU to their two best seasons in program history. In 2012 and 2013 IWU won back-to-back regular season conference championships, and in 2013 they also won the tournament championship, which ultimately led to their run to the NAIA Sweet 16. In his two years, Stoddard helped guide IWU to a record of 28-8-7 and a consistent national ranking within the NAIA top 15.
Stoddard played soccer for Gardner-Webb University (NCAA Division I) before transferring to IWU in 2009. He received All-Conference and Academic All-American honors during his tenure with both teams, and served as team captain at IWU. During Stoddard's collegiate career he also played PDL for two summers with the Cascade Surge (Salem, Ore.).
Stoddard is married to Heidi, who works as an OT at Good Samaritan Hospital. They both reside in Corvallis with their dog, Norton.
OREGON STATE ATHLETICS' EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS CULTURE
Through the power of sport, we help people discover and pursue their passions, talents and purpose in order to live a life of balance and positive contribution
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