Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Mary Grace Grabill/Northwestern Athletics
Northwestern Head Men’s Soccer Coach Russell Payne Signs Extension
1/25/2024 1:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern Head Men's Soccer Coach Russell Payne has signed a multi-year contract extension, Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, Dr. Derrick Gragg, announced on Thursday.
"Coach Payne's dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the success of our men's soccer program this past season," said Gragg. "This extension reinforces our confidence in Coach Payne and we believe he will lead us to even greater accomplishments on the field. We're excited to witness the continued growth of this program under his guidance."
Payne led the Wildcats to a 10-4-3 record in his third season in 2023, the program's first 10-win season since 2013. NU's 27 goals this past season also marked the most by the Wildcats in 10 years. In 2023, the 'Cats conceded just 17 goals, their fewest since 2014. Northwestern finished tied for third in the Big Ten, the program's best finish since finishing tied for third in 2015. The Wildcats defeated national powers Indiana and Maryland in the same season for the first time in school history.
"I am honored to continue as the Head Coach of Northwestern Men's Soccer," Payne said. "I'm very thankful to Dr. Gragg for his support and leadership. We are excited to continue the process of building championship-level people and a championship-level program."
Under Payne's direction, eight Wildcats have earned All-Big Ten recognition and four 'Cats have been selected to United Soccer Coaches All-Region teams. Northwestern's three First Team All-Big Ten selections in 2023 ranked tied for the most of any team in the conference.
In addition to leading the Wildcats, Payne has served as an assistant coach for U.S. Soccer. Payne was on staff for the U.S. Men's National Team during the Concacaf Nations League Finals and 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup this past summer, and most recently served as an assistant coach with the U.S. U-23 Men's Youth National Team in their preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the classroom, 49 Wildcats have earned Academic All-Big Ten honors during Payne's three seasons in Evanston. Most recently, Justin Weiss and Collin McCamy were selected as United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Americans.
"Coach Payne's dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the success of our men's soccer program this past season," said Gragg. "This extension reinforces our confidence in Coach Payne and we believe he will lead us to even greater accomplishments on the field. We're excited to witness the continued growth of this program under his guidance."
Payne led the Wildcats to a 10-4-3 record in his third season in 2023, the program's first 10-win season since 2013. NU's 27 goals this past season also marked the most by the Wildcats in 10 years. In 2023, the 'Cats conceded just 17 goals, their fewest since 2014. Northwestern finished tied for third in the Big Ten, the program's best finish since finishing tied for third in 2015. The Wildcats defeated national powers Indiana and Maryland in the same season for the first time in school history.
"I am honored to continue as the Head Coach of Northwestern Men's Soccer," Payne said. "I'm very thankful to Dr. Gragg for his support and leadership. We are excited to continue the process of building championship-level people and a championship-level program."
Under Payne's direction, eight Wildcats have earned All-Big Ten recognition and four 'Cats have been selected to United Soccer Coaches All-Region teams. Northwestern's three First Team All-Big Ten selections in 2023 ranked tied for the most of any team in the conference.
In addition to leading the Wildcats, Payne has served as an assistant coach for U.S. Soccer. Payne was on staff for the U.S. Men's National Team during the Concacaf Nations League Finals and 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup this past summer, and most recently served as an assistant coach with the U.S. U-23 Men's Youth National Team in their preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the classroom, 49 Wildcats have earned Academic All-Big Ten honors during Payne's three seasons in Evanston. Most recently, Justin Weiss and Collin McCamy were selected as United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Americans.
Players Mentioned
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