Brandon Porter '09 has been named head coach of the Pacific University men's soccer program.

Porter, a 2009 graduate of Pacific, returns to the Boxers after spending the previous five years as head coach at the Oregon Institute of Technology. From 2015 to 2019, Coach Porter led the OIT women's soccer program and was named the 2018 and 2019 Cascade Conference Coach of the Year while also winning the regular season conference championship in 2019. He also added men's head coaching duties in 2019 and led the men to a school record for wins in a season.

"Coach Porter has an impressive track record of success as a leader of collegiate student-athletes and his passion for Pacific University and Boxer Soccer was palpable throughout the search process," said Pacific Athletic Director Keith Buckley. "I am excited to welcome him back to campus to lead our men's soccer program."

From 2011-2014, Coach Porter served as the first assistant coach at Northern Arizona University, where the Lumberjacks were the 2014 Big Sky Conference Tournament champions and participated in the NCAA Division I Soccer Championship Tournament.

Additionally, he has served as a club coach with Flagstaff Soccer Club (2010-2014) and Willamette United Soccer Club (2006-2010). He holds a USSF National D Coaching License, United Soccer Coaches National Diploma, and United Soccer Coach Goalkeeping Level 1 & 2 Certifications.

"I am so excited to return back to Pacific University and Forest Grove, a place of fond memories with great people, that has given me so much in my life," Porter said. "I have always been and always will be a Boxer, and I can't wait to get started towards providing the men's soccer student-athletes with a tremendous experience in their pursuit of excellence."

As a student-athlete at Pacific University, Porter was a four-year starter (2006-2009) as a defender and was a team captain in his final two years. He was a two-time First Team All-Northwest Conference performer (2008-2009) and All-NWC Honorable Mention in 2007. He also received NSCAA All-West Region First Team recognition in 2009.

As a senior, Porter was named Male Student-Athlete of the Year (2009-2010). He is the second current Boxer head coach and alumnus to hold this honor. Women's lacrosse coach Brittany Hartmann '13, MAT '14,, who played both lacrosse and soccer, was Female Student-Athlete of the Year in 2012-2013.

Porter, a native of Canby, Ore., graduated from Pacific with a degree in psychology.

"I want to thank Athletic Director Keith Buckley, Senior Associate Athletic Director Lauren Brownrigg and the search committee, as the whole process was incredibly positive and smooth," Porter said. "I am so proud to wear the red and black again, and I am looking forward to working tirelessly for the players."