Ball State University completes coaching staff for 2019 season with hiring of Rich Wall

MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State University soccer coach Josh Rife has announced the hiring of Rich Wall as an assistant coach to complete his staff for the upcoming season. Wall joins Katy Etelman who has been retained from the previous staff.

Wall comes to Ball State after four seasons as the head coach of the men’s soccer team at Lees-McRae College in North Carolina. Wall compiled a record of 35-33-5 with the Bobcats and led them to a pair of 11-win seasons while climbing as high as No. 12 in the national rankings. He was also honored by the United Soccer Coaches by being named to the “30 Under 30 Program,” which recognizes the top rising coaches in the profession.

“We are excited to add Rich to our staff,” Rife said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of a collegiate program. His inclusion in the United Soccer Coaches “30 Under 30 Program” speaks to his ability and ambition as a coach. Even more than his coaching accolades, his quality of character and integrity are second to none. We know that he will be a valuable asset to our program, Ball State and the greater Muncie community.”

Prior to joining Lees-McRae, Wall spent time as a coach in USL League Two as an assistant with Tri-Cities FC Otters and the head coach of West Virginia Alliance FC. He helped the Alliance reach the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup during one of his two seasons with the team. Wall has also spent time coaching youth soccer, including a stint with the North Carolina Olympic Development Program.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to work alongside coach Rife,” said Wall. “He and his wife are two people I’ve gotten to know from the time they were playing professionally in Charlotte, and they’ve made this decision to join the staff very easy. I’m thankful to my wife, Jessica, for being supportive of this next step and taking it with me. I also want to wish my Bobcats good luck this fall and the remainder of their playing careers. Lastly, I’m excited to be a Cardinal and part of the Ball State University family.”

Wall played collegiately at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina and saw action in 55 matches. Prior to Gardner-Webb, he featured in 15 matches for Wingate University as a freshman. Wall graduated from Gardner-Webb with a degree in sport management and has earned his United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma along with a Goalkeeper Level II certification. He also claimed a National B License with the United States Soccer Federation.

The first chance to see BSU play under the new coaching staff is Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. when the Cardinals host Ohio Valley for an exhibition. Ball State opens the regular season six days later when it welcomes Eastern Illinois to town on Friday, Aug. 23.

For all the latest on Ball State soccer, follow @BallStateSoccer on social media and visit BallStateSports.com.