Clive Charles – Soccer

Clive Charles2(October 3, 1951 – August 26, 2003) Clive is being honored for a lifetime of achievement on the soccer field, the guidance he offered athletes and the lasting influence he has had on the lives of University of Portland soccer players. He has directed the Pilots to the highest positions in the NCAA playoffs. This past season his women’s team, in double overtime, defeated Santa Clara to win the National Championship. He was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the WUSA.

His total coaching victories, all at UP, exceed 400, a club whose membership numbers just five. Under his leadership, both Pilot men and women have gained national prominence. Collectively, these teams have won 13 conference championships, lost only 44 games, and earned 20 NCAA playoff berths, including 7 Final Four appearances in a combined 31 seasons.

He has been named Far West Region Coach of the Year four times and Conference Coach of the Year seven times. Under Coach Clive’s leadership, 28 UP athletes have attained All-America status. In the history of collegiate soccer, he is only the second coach to have two teams, in the same year, competing in the NCAA semifinals. The women’s program has earned post-season berths in 10 of the last 11 seasons. The men’s team has made 10 NCAA appearances in the last 15 years, advancing to the semi-finals in 1988 and 1995. His numerous achievements include an extensive list of national coaching experiences: the U.S. Men’s National Team assistant coach in 1995, U.S. Men’s Olympic Team coach in 1996, and head coach of the U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team in from 1993 to 1996.

Not to be overlooked is Clive’s courageous battle against prostate cancer, a situation he has handled quietly while continuing his coaching responsibilities. Clive and his wife, Clarena, have 2 children: 25 year old Sarah and 27 year old Michael.
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