The Ohio soccer coaching staff was completed in August with the addition of Les Szabo, a 20-year veteran of both playing and coaching. He previously served as head coach of the University of Memphis womens soccer program for five years and as a mens assistant coach for one year. This was a fantastic hire for the University, the team and myself, said Strauss. Les is a veteran coach with an exceptional tactical understanding of the game and a proven track record in recruiting. As a native of Ohio, he has a great number of soccer contacts in the state.
Hell be a tremendous addition to the staff and an excellent resource to the players.
With the Tigers, he had eight players selected all-conference, four named to all freshman teams and six take Player of the Week awards. Above performance goals, Szabo stressed academic achievements of his athletes. He was also an assistant coach of the Eastern Illinois soccer program during his career. During the span from 1985 to 1987, he led the under-19 boys team to three consecutive final four appearances in the McGuire Cup National Championship Tournament. Szabo received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Cleveland State University in 1979 and his masters degree in sports management from Eastern Illinois in 1994.