While many athletes and coaches have won accolades on our fields, now we’re celebrating the accomplishments of one of our own. It was announced that Foley Sports Tourism Complex Executive Director, Don Staley, will be inducted into the Radford University Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall.
Most people who meet with Staley now get to chat about tourism and events, but prior to his work in the industry, he was a soccer coach, first at Radford, then at the University of Alabama. His impact in his role as a coach is what he’s being honored for at his alma mater.
Don Staley coached soccer at Radford from 1985-1993
Staley coached both men’s and women’s soccer for Radford, unusual because it’s difficult enough to balance one sport. Coaching from 1985-1993, Staley left his stamp on Radford, winning three Big South regular-season championships and one Big South Tournament Championship. In addition, he set conference and program records for wins and was named conference Coach of the Year multiple times.
Staley looks back on his time at Radford and sees it as setting the tone for the rest of his career.
“I am so very honored to be inducted into the Radford University Hall of Fame,” Staley said. “It was my days at Radford that help me now. I understand how to coach a team of people. I understand that you get out what you put into something. These are lessons I use every day in my current position. While I may not be getting victories on the field, I am getting the chance to see the City of Foley grow.”
Staley will be heading to Radford for the induction ceremony on October 6, 2017. In the meantime, he plans to continue putting his Radford University principles to work at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex.
