The Sul Ross State University men’s soccer program is gearing up for a season of change, with 27 new players joining the roster under the guidance of second-year head coach Bailey Guffin. The additions bring a diverse mix of talent to the team, with recruits hailing from across the United States, including Idaho, Texas, Nevada, and Washington, as well as from England, Mexico, New Zealand, Venezuela, Argentina, Norway, and Chile.
This year’s roster is the most diverse in the six-year history of the program and includes players with a range of experiences, from USL Academy and MLS Next to international recruits and All-American honorees.
“We made the decision pretty quickly that we needed to rebuild within the program not only for the transition but for the longevity of the team as well,” said Guffin, discussing his first-ever Division II recruiting class. “We went out and found 27 guys that wanted to be a part of a special project. We’ve got a new look about us.”
The Lobos will also see new faces on the coaching staff, with former players Ryan Seidon and Ricky Bolanos stepping into coaching roles. Guffin praised the staff’s efforts in contributing to the team’s rebuild. “Not only did we revamp our team, but the additions of new staff have played a key role in our rebuild. They’ve worked tremendously hard to make a lot of things possible,” he said.
Sul Ross State will kick off the season on September 7 in Hobbs, New Mexico, where they will face the University of the Southwest. The match is scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. CST kickoff.
As the Lobos embark on this new chapter, Guffin remains optimistic about the future. “A recruitment class with a lot of potential, and the hardest working staff behind it, I think we’ll be seeing a new Sul Ross this year,” he added.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, with a blend of seasoned returners and fresh talent ready to make their mark on the field.
