Air Force hires Greg Dalby from Oregon State as new men’s soccer head coach

Greg Dalby has been named head men’s soccer coach at Air Force, according to an announcement from Director of Athletics Nathan Pine.

“Today is a great day for the Academy as we welcome Greg Dalby as the next head coach of our men’s soccer program, Pine said. “He has a passion for coaching and helping the young men in his programs excel as students and athletes which complements the rich history of Air Force soccer well. He comes to us with incredible experience as a highly accomplished player, assistant coach and head coach. I look forward to working together with Coach Dalby and watching our cadet athletes and program thrive under his leadership!”

“It is an honor and true privilege to be the next leader of the Air Force men’s soccer program,” Dalby said. “My passion for collegiate coaching is perfectly captured at the Academy in its mission to develop young men in every aspect of their life, excel in competition, and prepare for a life of leadership and service. I cannot think of a better environment to be in lockstep with while leading a soccer program. I’d like to thank Nathan Pine, Jen Block, Shondell Reed, and the search committee for making this opportunity possible for my family and I.”

Dalby comes to the Academy from Oregon State, where he was the head coach the last two seasons. He led the Beavers to great success in his two seasons, accumulating a 21-11-8 overall record. Oregon State went to the NCAA Tournament both years, including a run to the College Cup in 2023. The Beavers went 11-6-5 in Dalby’s first season, with a run that included four NCAA Tournament victories before falling to Notre Dame in the national semifinals. Oregon State ended the season ranked No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches poll, the highest postseason mark in program history.

The journey to the NCAA Tournament featured several marquee victories, including a road win at No. 1 Stanford, a victory at No. 22 Washington and an emphatic 7-1 win over No. 2 SMU in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 16.

The team results were matched by individual honors, as Logan Farrington was named Pac-12 Player of the Year. Farrington and Javier Armas were both selected as All-Americans, while Luis Castillo joined that duo on the All-Region Team. In total six Beavers earned All-Pac-12 recognition.

Dalby also helped guide three Beavers to selection the MLS SuperDraft, highlighted by Farrington who was selected third overall pick.

Oregon State went 10-5-3 and made the NCAA Tournament last season. The campaign included a seven-match unbeaten run, as well as a 6-2-2 home record.

Four Beavers earned All-America recognition under Dalby, including Sergi Solans, Arnau Farnos, Farrington and Armas. Seven players earned All-Region honors over the last two years. Six of Dalby’s Oregon State players were selected over the last two MLS SuperDrafts, headlined by first round selections Farrington (No. 3 overall) and Enzo Newman (No. 11).

Prior to Oregon State, Dalby spent five seasons at Penn State staff, most recently as associate head coach. During his tenure, Dalby helped the Nittany Lions earn a Top-16 seed in the NCAA Tournament three times, and the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles in 2021.

Dalby’s tenure at Penn State saw the squad achieve impressive success. In 2019 the program reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years, as the team finished the campaign with a record of 12-3-3 on its way to the No. 15 overall seed. The next season brought even greater triumph, as the Nittany Lions claimed the No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tourney. Penn State ultimately made it to the final 16 of the Tournament that season, which was played in the spring of 2021.

Overall, Dalby coached 14 All-Big Ten selections, as well as 12 All-Region honorees and a pair of All-Americans during his time with the Nittany Lions. He was also deeply involved in Penn State’s recruiting process, helping the program lock down the No. 13 2023 signing class in the nation.

Dalby joined Penn State after serving as the lead assistant coach at Davidson College from 2015-17. At Davidson, he was responsible for recruiting and talent development among a wide range of other duties. During his time with the Wildcats, Dalby helped the program ink a pair of top-150 prospects, and sent two player to the professional ranks.

Prior to his time at Davidson, Dalby served as the assistant coach of his alma mater, Notre Dame, where he helped the squad to a 2013 NCAA Championship as well as a 2012 Big East Tournament Championship and back-to-back ACC regular-season championships in 2013 and 2014.

Dalby spent seven years as a professional soccer player, starting his career in the Belgian Premiere League at Royal Club Sporting Charleroi before moving on to the Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer Club where he played for two seasons. Dalby closed his professional career at the Charlotte Eagles where he spent two seasons as co-captain. Throughout his time in professional soccer, Dalby served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council where he contributed to the drafting and implementation of new legislature to benefit the athletes.

As an NCAA student-athlete, Dalby played four years at Notre Dame where he was a two-year team captain, leading the Fighting Irish to back-to-back Big East regular-season championships in 2003 and 2004. Dalby was a NSCAA first-team All-American as well as a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2005 and 2006. He was also named Big East Midfielder of the Year and garnered first-team All-Big East honors twice.

Dalby earned Big East Academic All-Star team honors for three seasons and was captain of the United States U-20 men’s national team in the FIFA Youth World Cup in 2005. Dalby served as the men’s soccer Student-Athlete Advisory Council representative and was awarded Notre Dame’s prestigious Byron V. Kanaley Award, recognizing senior athletes who excelled as both students and leaders. He graduated in December 2006 with bachelor’s degrees in theology & film, television, theatre.

Dalby and his wife, Stacey, have three children, Addilyn, Miles and Brayden.

Dalby’s Career Record
Oregon State
Year       Record
2024       11-6-5
2023       10-5-3
Total      21-11-8