It was a thrill to join Assistant Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Darryl Sims and retired coach Toby Bares on Feb. 16 to announce the return of men’s soccer at UW-Oshkosh.

The announcement feels like a defining moment in our campus’s journey forward. Men’s soccer isn’t just a sport. It’s part of the fabric of our Titan community, woven into decades of tradition, camaraderie, and pride. Seeing this program return in the fall of 2027 honors that legacy while opening exciting new opportunities for the university as a whole.

Photo gallery capturing the Feb. 16 Men’s Soccer Press Conference: 

At a time when collegiate athletics — and higher education broadly — are evolving, the resurgence of men’s soccer reflects both the surging energy in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and our own commitment to offering a vibrant and competitive student experience. Bringing this program back sends a powerful message: we are focused on growth, on meeting our students where they are, and on creating meaningful experiences that attract talented student-athletes to our campus.

This decision wasn’t made in a vacuum. It was shaped by the passion of alumni, supporters, and our campus community who carry deep memories of Titans soccer’s impact. Their voices helped guide us back to a place where we can confidently say: Titans men’s soccer belongs here again.

With a foundation built on tradition and enthusiasm, we fully expect this program to enrich campus life, strengthen our enrollment, and foster even greater Titans pride in the years to come.

Thanks to our many media partners for capturing our Feb. 16 announcement…