Still in its first decade of existence, the ASU soccer team bagged the program's 100th victory last Friday, defeating Washington State 4-2.
Standing on the sideline for that game was the individual who has led the Sun Devils to half of those wins - soccer coach Ray Leone.
"It's a great accomplishment for all the players that have played here the past 10 years," Leone said of hitting the century mark.
One of those former players is currently on the U.S. Women's National Team. While her alma mater was posting its 101st program victory against Washington on Sunday, former Sun Devil defender Amy LePeilbet was helping the American women post their ninth consecutive shutout against Australia.
"[Ray] has definitely helped me further my career, especially when it came to the national team," LePeilbet said. "He would always go out and do extra sessions with me."
Leone has coached other great players, as well. Stacey Tullock graduated in 2002 holding every major offensive record at ASU, including goals (44), game-winning goals (15), assists (19) and total points (107). Tullock is currently a teammate of LePeilbet's on the national team.
In addition to the players who have gone on to accomplish great things on the soccer field, many others have gone on to do other things.
"We graduate players with excellent academics," Leone said. "We want to try to continue putting good people into the community."
The team's academic record under Leone speaks for itself. In 2003, the team posted a 3.46 GPA, the best for any sport at ASU. For its in-class accomplishments, the team was awarded an ASU Sparky Award the past two years.
"It's a team thing. They know it's important from the coaches, from Brian (Richardson, manager of academics) and from the captains that we uphold a high standard in the classroom," Leone said.
LePeilbit said that Leone was more than a soccer coach for her.
"Ray has definitely had an impact on my life, on and off the field," she said.
Current ASU senior defender Juanita Lawson echoed LePeilbit's comments.
"He was a father to me at certain points when I was upset," Lawson said. "He's a good mentor."
It is this closeness with his players that has allowed Leone to be successful at ASU, leading them to a 51-24-10 record the past five seasons.
Looking to the future, Leone has big plans for the soccer team.
"Hopefully we're challenging for a Pac-10 title, and also a national title, which is what we really want to aspire to," Leone said.
Reach the reporter at thomas.j.kelley@asu.edu.
"It's a great accomplishment for all the players that have played here the past 10 years," Leone said of hitting the century mark.
One of those former players is currently on the U.S. Women's National Team. While her alma mater was posting its 101st program victory against Washington on Sunday, former Sun Devil defender Amy LePeilbet was helping the American women post their ninth consecutive shutout against Australia.
"[Ray] has definitely helped me further my career, especially when it came to the national team," LePeilbet said. "He would always go out and do extra sessions with me."
Leone has coached other great players, as well. Stacey Tullock graduated in 2002 holding every major offensive record at ASU, including goals (44), game-winning goals (15), assists (19) and total points (107). Tullock is currently a teammate of LePeilbet's on the national team.
In addition to the players who have gone on to accomplish great things on the soccer field, many others have gone on to do other things.
"We graduate players with excellent academics," Leone said. "We want to try to continue putting good people into the community."
The team's academic record under Leone speaks for itself. In 2003, the team posted a 3.46 GPA, the best for any sport at ASU. For its in-class accomplishments, the team was awarded an ASU Sparky Award the past two years.
"It's a team thing. They know it's important from the coaches, from Brian (Richardson, manager of academics) and from the captains that we uphold a high standard in the classroom," Leone said.
LePeilbit said that Leone was more than a soccer coach for her.
"Ray has definitely had an impact on my life, on and off the field," she said.
Current ASU senior defender Juanita Lawson echoed LePeilbit's comments.
"He was a father to me at certain points when I was upset," Lawson said. "He's a good mentor."
It is this closeness with his players that has allowed Leone to be successful at ASU, leading them to a 51-24-10 record the past five seasons.
Looking to the future, Leone has big plans for the soccer team.
"Hopefully we're challenging for a Pac-10 title, and also a national title, which is what we really want to aspire to," Leone said.
Reach the reporter at thomas.j.kelley@asu.edu.
