Men's Soccer July 25, 2023 Written by James Tsitakis-Cecil

Richie Grant Steps Down, Adam Grant Named Interim

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – After nine years of service to the Cal State Bakersfield Athletics Department, Richie Grant has chosen to leave his post as Men's Soccer Head Coach to pursue other opportunities within coaching as well as for the benefit of his family.

CSUB Director of Athletics Kyle Conder has instated CSUB Assistant Coach, Adam Grant, as the Interim Head Coach of the Roadrunners. Adam will be entering his second year at CSUB after spending the previous twelve years at Cumberland University, including six of them as Head Coach of the Phoenix.

"I am honored and grateful to the university, our Athletic Director Kyle Conder, and Sports Supervisor Scott Frasnelly for the opportunity to lead the Roadrunner Men's Soccer program this season," Adam Grant said. "It has been a privilege working under Richard's leadership as he had such a positive impact on the team and on myself as a coach. I understand the importance of this program to so many people and former players alike, so I am eager to get started with an exciting and determined young group of players."

Richie Grant boasts a number of achievements during his time in Bakersfield, but none are more important to him than the impact he made on his players and fellow coaches. "I would like to thank the support staff at CSUB, the administration, and most importantly every player who spent time in our program. I am very grateful to my assistant coaches for everything," Richie expressed.

It is hard to measure the sheer amount of determination and drive that it took Richie to guide the program through some of its most defining years in the 21st century. Following legendary Head Coach Simon Tobin's 27-year career at the helm of CSUB Men's Soccer, Grant had big shoes to fill. However, he met the expectations in stride and maneuvered the team through a successful transition into the Western Athletic Conference. Grant's squad would go on to make three semifinal appearances in the WAC Championships as well as one Championship Game.

If that was not enough to ingratiate Richie to the program, he also helped CSUB through a second conference transition while in the most tumultuous global pandemic of this generation as the `Runners made their way to The Big West. There, Grant was able to guide his team to a Big West playoff appearance in CSUB's first year as a member of the league. Grant also catalyzed many community events, including numerous Education Days, Rowdy Runs, and spring friendly competitions against professional Mexican club academies and youth national teams.

Grant also helped former players and coaches progress their respective careers during his time with the `Runners. Gerry Cleary was an assistant when they arrived together in 2014, and he is now the Head Coach at Fort Hayes University in Kansas. James Garces was a well-respected player and team captain during Grant's first year at Head Coach before Garces stayed at CSUB to begin his coaching career under Richie's guise. Garces now coaches at GCU. Chris McGaughey also recently left to pursue a position at Gonzaga after five years at CSUB where he also earned a Master's degree.

The CSUB Athletics Department is appreciative of Richie's impact on the program and his successful leadership of the team to be where it is now. Most importantly, the Roadrunners are enthusiastic for the future under Interim Head Coach Adam Grant. Going forward, CSUB will look to build more success under Adam as Richie pursues further opportunities outside of CSUB.

A national search for a permanent Head Coach of the Bakersfield men's soccer team will take place later this academic year. In the meantime, come out and support the 2023 CSUB squad as they take on a tough slate for a chance at a Big West title. Tickets are on sale now online at GoRunners.com/Tickets or over the phone at 661-654-BLUE or 661-654-GOLD.

~GoRunners.com~

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Richie Grant Steps Down, Adam Grant Named Interim