A New Chapter Begins: McCarty Takes Helm of BU Men’s Soccer

Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Talan Poe.

Bluefield University men’s soccer is entering a new era under the leadership of new head coach Ryan McCarty, a coach whose passion for the game is matched by a deep commitment to faith, personal growth, and community.

A native of Greenville, South Carolina, McCarty brings nearly a decade of coaching experience to Bluefield after graduating from Bob Jones University. While coaching was not always part of his original plan, the end of his playing career sparked a desire to remain connected to the sport he loves — a decision that quickly turned into a calling.

“I originally didn’t want to coach,” McCarty said. “But once my playing career ended, I had to find a way to stay involved. Once I got a taste, I fell in love with the whole process of coaching.”

McCarty’s coaching background spans the club, middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. He previously coached at the club level with United FC and at Greer Middle College in Greenville, South Carolina, along with time at Bob Jones Academy at both the middle and high school levels. He later served as an assistant coach at Bob Jones University, gaining valuable experience before stepping into his first head coaching role at BU.

What ultimately drew McCarty to Bluefield University was the strong sense of connection he felt from the very beginning.

“The first thing was the family atmosphere,” McCarty said. “From the coaching staff to the school to the Bluefield community, I sensed that people cared for each other and wanted to see everyone succeed.”

Along with the close-knit environment, McCarty saw significant potential within the men’s soccer program and an opportunity to help the team take the next step competitively.

“There are few things more rewarding than working hard toward a common goal alongside people who care about each other and accomplishing those goals,” he said.

At the core of McCarty’s coaching philosophy is an individual-first approach. He believes investing in players as people ultimately leads to success on the field.

“If you invest in each player and empower them to be the best version of themselves, to fulfill their God-given potential, then you will find both success and satisfaction as a coach,” McCarty said. “Players want someone who believes in them and will push them to be their best.”

That philosophy carries directly into the culture McCarty hopes to build at Bluefield. The program will be grounded in three core values: Excellence, Compassion, and Leadership.

“These are not just taglines,” McCarty said. “I want these to embody the men’s soccer program and the character of everyone who is a part of it.”

He emphasized that while the values are simple in concept, they require daily commitment and discipline. Rooted in biblical principles, McCarty believes the program can impact lives well beyond the pitch.

“As we pursue excellence, show compassion, and lead others, my prayer is that others will glorify God as a result and lives will be changed both for now and eternity,” he said.

In the short term, McCarty’s focus is on building relationships with his players and helping them grow both on and off the field. Long term, his vision includes academic excellence, competitiveness in the Appalachian Athletic Conference, and developing men who become leaders in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities.

Juan Soto, a junior forward, talked about his reaction to Coach McCarty being hired.

“Even though I enjoyed the previous coaching staff, I could say I was kind of excited and interested in a change and I knew Coach Ryan [McCarty] was a proper pick for our team,” Soto said. “So far, I can tell he is a very competent coach, and I am pretty sure he is bringing success to the program.”

For McCarty, success extends far beyond wins and losses.

“Success is simply doing the best you can with the time and abilities you’re given,” he said. “You can’t control results or outcomes — only your effort and preparation.”

On challenging days, McCarty stays grounded by returning to his purpose and refocusing on the people around him.

“I choose to focus on the ‘why,’” he said. “Why am I here? How can my actions point others to God? Often that means shifting my focus to the relationships and the needs of the guys on the team.”

Soto talks about how he is preparing for a new coach and what he hopes to learn.

“I would say the way I am preparing for the new coaching style is being as coachable as I can with Coach Ryan [McCarty]. In addition, I try to help him know my teammates. I think I can be kind of a bridge between the coach and my teammates,” Soto said. “I want to learn from my new coach how I can be more influential in my team. Also, I want to be able to learn more from the game outside of the field.”

Even outside of soccer, McCarty’s love for the game remains strong. Much of his free time is spent studying tactics, coaching philosophies, and the history of the sport. When he does step away, he enjoys reading, playing chess, playing guitar, hiking, and watching an occasional movie.

As McCarty prepares for his first season at the helm, his message to students, fans, and alumni is filled with optimism.

“Get ready for a fun ride,” he said. “There’s already a strong foundation here, and I think we might surprise a few people next season.”

Above all, McCarty is excited about growth.

“This team has so much potential,” he said. “Our success next fall hinges on the work we put in this spring, and I can’t wait to get started.”

With a clear vision, strong values, and a genuine love for the game, Ryan McCarty is ready to lead Bluefield University men’s soccer into an exciting new chapter.