A Season of Firsts
Doug Allison, the longtime architect of Furman University’s soccer program, was selected as the 2025 Bob Bradner Coach of the Year by a vote of his fellow coaches, capturing 65 percent of the tally.
Allison stepped down after leading the Paladins to the College Cup Final Four, finishing the campaign with a 16‑2‑5 record and an unbeaten streak against ranked opponents.
His effectiveness earned 32.5 percent of the vote, player development 27.5 percent, and recruiting 12.5 percent, tying him for third in that category.
The team’s success was built on a blend of seasoned talent and fresh blood, highlighted by the recruitment of freshman Braden Dunham, a player who has already earned call‑ups to multiple U.S. Youth National Team camps.
Allison’s coaching pedigree includes developing internationals such as Clint Dempsey and Walker Zimmerman, both of whom have become prominent figures in the sport.
Peer recognition extended to coaches Nick Carlin‑Voigt, Sasho Cirovski, Zach Haines, Kevin Kalish, George Kiefer, Richard Nuttall, Ruben Resendes and Brian Wiese, who also received notable mentions in the voting.
The achievement underscores a broader resurgence among mid‑major programs, a trend reflected by partner institutions including Portland University, University of Maryland, High Point University, Saint Louis University, Grand Canyon University, Hofstra University, Bryant University and Georgetown University, each continuing to invest in competitive soccer environments.