DePaul Names Richard Drake Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach

CHICAGO – DePaul University women’s soccer coach John Wilson announced today the hiring of Richard Drake as assistant women’s soccer coach. Drake, a Chicago-area native, has been an assistant at
Marshall University for the past two seasons.

Drake brings six years of NCAA Division I women’s soccer coaching experience after serving as an assistant at Marshall, Minnesota and Cincinnati. He replaces Derrek Falor, who accepted the head coaching position at Cleveland State University. Drake brings a combination of championship experience and specific coaching abilites as a goalkeeper coach. He will work directly with the Blue Demons keepers while assisting Wilson in all phases of the DePaul women’s soccer program.

“We’re very excited to be able to bring in a coach of Richard’s caliber and experience,” said Wilson. “His extensive knowledge and experience will be a great asset to our program as we become regionally and nationally competitive. Our program is excited and looking forward to Richard’s arrival.”

He started coaching women’s soccer at Cincinnati in 1997. With the Bearcats, Drake helped them to the 1997 Conference USA Tournament Championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Following two seasons at Cincinnati, he moved to the University of Minnesota for a three-year stint. During those three seasons, the Golden Gophers reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament on two occasions and also claimed a Big Ten Championship. His most recent stop at Marshall produced an 11-7-1 record with the Thundering Herd reaching the Mid-American Conference Tournament. In addition to his collegiate experience, Drake is also involved with the Olympic Development Program.

Drake graduated from Aurora University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts, History and Secondary Education degree. He holds a United States Soccer
Federation “B” coaching license and referee license.