Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Wright State University Athletics

slemker graphic

Men's Soccer Communications

Slemker to Lead Raider Soccer

Jake Slemker, former Raider player and current associate head coach/recruiting coordinator at WSU, has been named the head coach for the Wright State men's soccer program, Director of Athletics Bob Grant announced today.  Former head coach Bryan Davis has resigned to pursue opportunities outside of coaching.

After joining the staff eight years ago, the Dayton-area native was promoted to associate head coach in August 2016.  During his time on the WSU staff, the Raiders have risen to new levels of excellence, advancing to four Horizon League finals, posting four double digit winning seasons and recruiting two national Top 40 classes.

"Jake has impressed us for many years, he has the qualities we look for in a head coach – an appreciation for our PSA culture, a tireless work ethic and genuine concern for our student-athletes," Grant said.  "Jake is part of the Raider Family, having been an integral part of our program as a student-athlete, volunteer assistant, assistant and associate head coach.  I'm excited for the future of our men's soccer program under Jake's direction"

The Raiders have seen great success in recent years, including the 2016 Horizon League regular-season championship, three conference Players of the Year, a Defensive Player of the Year, a Freshman Player of the Year. 14 First-Team Members and three drafted by MLS teams.  Wright State's overall list of signature wins during his tenure include Cincinnati, Fullerton, West Virginia, Portland, Marquette, Kentucky, San Diego State as well as ties at Ohio State and at #17 Virginia Tech.

Besides four appearances in the Horizon League final, the Raiders did the work in the classroom as well as the program has posted seven straight years with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

"First, I want to thank Bob Grant and Joylynn Brown for trusting and believing in me," Slemker said.  "It really is a dream come true to be the head coach at Wright State. 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."

Slemker came back to the Wright State staff in March 2010 after a two-year stint as an assistant coach at Scottsdale (AZ) Community College.  While at SCC, that program hit new heights with most wins (12) in school history in 2009 when they defeated defending national champion Yavapai.  SCC also made their first Play-Off appearance ever in 2008.

A native of Englewood, Ohio, Slemker played for the Raiders from 2003 to 2006 and was a four-year starter in the backfield.  Following his WSU career, Slemker played professionally with the Dayton Dutch Lions, Arizona Sahuraos, Cincinnati Kings Albany Admirals and Cleveland Internationals.

He is currently coaching with Club Ohio following stints with Ohio Galaxies and Celtics Clubs.  Slemker has served as an instructor for many camps across the country, including taking the lead at the Wright State Camp.

Slemker graduated from Wright State in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and earned a master's degree in applied behavioral science in 2012.

Slemker and his wife Kristina are expecting their first child this fall.  

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

"Wright State has made the an excellent choice! Jake is very deserving of this opportunity. He has served the program well as an assistant over the years and will do a great job as a head coach."--Hylton Dayes, Head Coach at University of Cincinnati and former WSU Head Coach and Wright State All-American

When I heard the news about Coach Davis leaving, I immediately thought Coach Slemker is the best-fit candidate to be taking over this program that he has helped build. During my time at Wright State, he showed that he has the soccer IQ to coach at a high level and gives both tough love and praise when necessary. He pushes players to perform to the best of their abilities if they're willing to put in the work. I remember all the extra hours of work he took out of his days to help myself and other players on the team. I'm so excited and happy for him and cannot wait to see where he takes this great program.--AJ Paterson, Former Raider Great and currently with Bethlehem Steel FC of the USL

"When I got the news that Coach Slemker will become the head coach for the men's soccer team, I wasn't surprised. Jake is not only a great coach but also a student of the game. He's great at detecting talent, tactically sound, and has the best vision of the game. I improved year after year being under coach Slemker microscope. Coach Slemker has a great sense of humor, charismatic, as well as interacting and building strong relationship with his players and everybody around him. It's rare to find coaches that truly care about the players' future to make it at the next level. Coach Davis was a special coach who did a lot for this soccer program. With Coach Slemker taking over,  I strongly believe he will keep the legacy going and hopefully win more titles. The future is definitely looking bright for WSU men's soccer program. Best of luck! I am very excited for the future"--Peguy Ngatcha, Former Raider Great and MLS Draft Pick

"Big congratulations to Jake Slemker being named Head Coach. As a former player, it's really exciting to see all his hard work and commitment throughout the years now putting him in this position. I am eager to see the program thrive off of Jake's passion for the game and selflessness for his players. This is much deserved, and I look forward to seeing the program's success in the future."-- Derek Zuniga, Alumni 

"From WSU camp, to club soccer and all the way to starting at WSU, I have known this young man a long time. Congratulations to Jake, but more importantly, congratulations to WSU for picking a great up-and-coming coach to lead them into the future. I wish him all the best, and I am very proud of him."--Mike Tracy, Former WSU Head Coach and Player

"Jake wasn't just a soccer coach to me, he was and still is a friend, mentor and role model to me to this day. I'm absolutely thrilled to learn that he has been granted this opportunity that he thoroughly deserves. I'm confident that the program is in great hands and excited watch him take the program to new heights. I wish the best of luck to Jake and our Raider family."--Emy Ononye, Alumni and Former USL Player



 
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

AJ Paterson

#16 AJ Paterson

M
6' 2"
Senior

Players Mentioned

AJ Paterson

#16 AJ Paterson

6' 2"
Senior
M