HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – EMU Director of Athletics Carrie S. Bert has announced that the interim tag has been removed from Trevor Swartz’s title, making him the Royals permanent Head Men’s Soccer Coach.
“EMU men’s soccer is pleased to welcome Trevor Swartz back to campus, this time to lead the program,” Bert said. “Trevor brings a valuable combination of competitive playing experience at a storied Division III program, previous coaching experience at EMU, and additional experience working with top-tier talent in Southern California. He knows our recruiting region, the ODAC, and he participated in the early competitive growth of our program, which gives him a strong foundation from which to lead. Just as importantly, Trevor has worked alongside accomplished coaches who understand the holistic work of a Division III coach, supporting educational pursuits, developing sport-specific skills, and creating opportunities for meaningful relationships that extend well beyond the playing years. We look forward to the continued upward trajectory of EMU men’s soccer on the turf and, even more so, to a continued commitment to excellence in the everyday under his leadership.”
Swartz was a Graduate Assistant Coach for the Royals during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He came to EMU from Messiah University where he was a four-year player for the Falcons who appeared in 83 matches with 27 starts, including starting all 22 matches during his senior season. As a midfielder, he scored five goals and added six assists in helping the Falcons to a 76-5-9 record in his four years. Messiah was the MAC Commonwealth Conference Champion all four seasons during Swartz’s tenure, and the team achieved a #1 ranking in 2022. The Falcons made the NCAA Tournament all four years, advancing to the Elite Eight twice and the Sweet 16 once. In addition to his success on the field, he was a two-time MAC Commonwealth Sportsmanship Award winner along with earning CoSIDA All-District Academic honors.
After graduating from EMU in December, 2024 with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, Swartz moved to California to become the College Program Leader for the Southern California Eagles soccer program, a program that, according to their website, “Was founded with a mission of glorifying God and seeing lives transformed by sharing the message of Jesus Christ through the global environment of soccer.”
In his role as the College Program Leader, Swartz builds and leads the college platform, spending his time networking in the university space and ensuring college coaches and athletes know the opportunities that the program provides for college players.
“It is an honor and a blessing to be returning to EMU and the Men’s Soccer program,” Swartz said. “This team, and greater EMU community, holds a special place in my heart. To be a part of the program for two years and then to watch it from afar, it is clear the momentum the program has. Coach Carey and the team have worked relentlessly to define and enhance what it looks like to be an EMU Men’s Soccer player. I cannot wait to continue the effort of making this program one of the best places in the country to play soccer.”
— EMU Athletics —
