MARSHALL, Texas – ETBU announced on Wednesday that Head Men's Soccer Coach Chad Cox has stepped down from his position as head coach to spend time with his family and pursue opportunities outside collegiate coaching.  Cox has been a part of the ETBU men's soccer program as a player, assistant coach, and head coach for 13 seasons, serving the last five seasons as head coach.
 
"I am beyond thankful to Coach Chad Cox and his commitment to building and maintaining a Christ-centered culture within the ETBU Soccer program.  His unwavering pursuit of integrating faith and academics with his student-athletes is exactly what we desire from our coaching staff at ETBU," Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics Ryan Erwin said. "We are excited that Chad, one of our own alumni, plans to remain at ETBU in a new role, where he will continue to serve our students."
 
Cox took ETBU to three American Southwest Conference Tournaments as a head coach and produced 23 All-ASC players. As an assistant coach in 2018, he helped ETBU to their first-ever NCAA Division III post-season win in the ASC Tournament over Ozarks, 1-0. In his five seasons, ETBU won 24 matches including an upset, regular season win over then reigning ASC Champions UMHB, 2-1, and a 3-1-1 record against rival LeTourneau University.
 
"Words can't express how grateful I am to have been a part of this program for so many years. I am truly thankful for our leadership, Mr. Erwin and Dr. Blackburn, for the opportunities and continued support. Thank you to the entire ETBU community and the people who have opened their arms, and always been there for us along the way. The individuals here make this place special and one of a kind! This journey is not a story of one, but a story of all those who have impacted it and blessed my family with friendships and memories that we will never forget and always cherish," Cox said. 
 
"Thank you to all the players and families that have allowed me to be a part of your lives, and all those still here. It's been a true honor to walk alongside each of these young men, to see them grow, and become so much more! ETBU and ETBU Soccer have become and always will be a part of our family. We will continue to pray and support at all times, and excited to watch you all flourish in life. The future is bright and great things are coming! 1 Peter 4:10," Cox added. 
 
A national search is underway for the next head coach for the Tiger Men's Soccer program.