Bluffton University has named James Kusak as its head men's soccer coach. Kusak has been the assistant men's and women's soccer coach at Spalding University. "I want to thank President James Harder and Athletic Director Phill Talavinia for giving me the opportunity to become the next men's soccer coach at Bluffton University," stated Coach Kusak. "It is clear to me that Bluffton is committed to the growth of the Athletic Department and the men's soccer program. I cannot wait to become part of the Bluffton University community. My goal is to build a family-oriented program that is focused on the growth and development of the student-athlete. I cannot think of a better place to do this than at Bluffton University."
Kusak has spent the last two years as the graduate assistant men's and women's soccer coach at Spalding University, an NCAA Division III program in Louisville, Ky., which is part of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. During his time at Spalding, Kusak helped both teams earn their first-ever postseason berths in the SLIAC tournament. The 2015 women's team posted a 10-5-2 record and reached the SLIAC semifinal. The 2014 men's team went 12-6-1 and also reached the SLIAC semifinal. The men's team finished with the second best scoring offense in the nation.
Prior to that, he was assistant men's soccer coach from 2012-2014 for Centre College in Danville, Ky., where he also played as an undergrad. In 2012, the team was named Southern Athletic Association Champions. The team reached the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament after defeating the defending national champions in the opening round match. He was also assistant men's and women's soccer coach for Hendrix College for the 2011-12 school year. In 2011, the women's team earned their first ever trip to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. Kusak played for Centre College from 2006-09. He was named second team All-SCAC, two-time captain and MVP of the 20th Bob Allen Nissan Classic. He was a two-time member of the SCAC All-Academic Team. The center midfielder helped the Colonels to a 55-17-4 record as a player, during which Centre earned three second place finishes in the SCAC.
A native of Louisville, Ky., Kusak has served as the director of the Central Kentucky Soccer Club U9/U10 Academy. He also led the Louisville Soccer Alliance U23 team to two regional championship runner-ups. Kusak earned his National Soccer Coaches Association of America diploma in 2012 and has a United States Soccer Federation license. He earned a bachelor of arts in history from Centre College in 2010. Kusak is set to earn his master of business communication degree at Spalding University in June.
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