BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Cal State Bakersfield Director of Athletics Kyle Conder has hired Adam Grant as the Head Coach of the Roadrunner men's soccer team. Grant served CSUB as the Interim Head Coach during the 2023 Fall season and proved himself, both through his efforts during the season as well as a candidate in a national search, to be the right person to lead the `Runners.
"We are excited to announce Adam Grant as the CSUB Head Men's Soccer Coach," said Conder. "Under his leadership, the team exceeded Competitive Success expectations last season while continuing to emphasize the program's commitment to Academic Excellence, an Outstanding Student-Athlete Experience, and Community Engagement. With Coach Grant's vision, CSUB Men's Soccer is positioned to pursue Big West championships and graduate leaders."
Grant officially took the reins of the program on July 25, 2023, just 15 days before the squad's first exhibition game. On paper, the late transition set the `Runners up for a tough season, as evidenced by every other head coach in The Big West predicting Bakersfield to finish last in the Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Grant and Co. were unfazed by the adversity, going on a nine-match unbeaten streak in the middle of their season. The `Runners battled for a playoff spot down the stretch before ultimately finishing seventh of ten teams. Bakersfield's competitive success was driven by a slew of talented newcomers and All-Conference honorees Bryson Hankins and Connor Mautino.
"I'm delighted to be staying on at CSUB," Grant said. "I really enjoyed this season and this group of players. It has been a pleasure to coach here."
"I'd like to thank our Athletics Director, Kyle Conder, and our Sport Supervisor, Scott Frasnelly, for their support and trusting me with the leadership of this team. We have a great mix of experience and young players that will really continue to grow into next year and the future."
The `Runners not only performed on the field, but Grant's squad has been strong in the classroom this year as well. When the Fall GPA reports came back, the men's soccer team upheld CSUB's Pillar of Academic Excellence, tying for the top cumulative GPA (3.29) by a Bakersfield men's team. Four of the `Runners – Haruya Iwasaki, Adrian Jogerst, Andre Moraes, Sinan Solmaz – posted perfect, 4.0 GPAs during the Fall semester.
"I was impressed by how Adam stepped up into the interim coaching role and guided our team to a very competitive season," said Frasnelly. "I enjoyed working closely with him as he assumed head coaching duties. Adam and his coaching staff showed great leadership, on and off the field, which led to support and trust from his student-athletes."
Grant and the `Runners have continued to make strides this Spring and look forward to hosting an exciting international friendly against Liga MX's Club America U-20 team. Stay tuned as CSUB works toward the Fall and another run at the program's first Big West title.
~GoRunners.com~
