Mike Rubesch, one of the most influential and impactful coaches in Emory University history, passed away earlier this month (Jan. 6). He was 66 years old.

After beginning his Emory head coaching career with the first two women's soccer teams in school history in 1986 and 1987, Rubesch took over head coaching duties for the men's program in 1988 and would lead the Eagles for 19 seasons. During his Emory coaching career, Rubesch's teams compiled an overall record of 236-99-22 and guided the Eagles to eight NCAA tournaments along with five University Athletic Association titles. He mentored his teams to 16 winning campaigns and directed the 1989, 1991 and 2003 squads to a school-record tying 16 victories, which still stands today.

Following 2006, his last year as the men's coach, he ranked among Division III's all-time top 40 in winning percentage while his victory total stood 35th. A three-time regional and five-time UAA Coach of the Year, he oversaw all three men's teams that have gone unbeaten in conference play.  Under Mike's guidance, nine Eagles captured All-America honors while five were chosen as UAA Player of the Year.

He was an Erskine College graduate, where he enjoyed a fine career as a player, and began his coaching career at local Atlanta-based high school, St. Pius X, in 1981 leading the Boys' Soccer team to three consecutive Georgia Final Four appearances. He joined the Emory men's program as an assistant coach in 1984, helping the Eagles to their first two NCAA tournament bids before taking over the reigns of the women's program.

After leaving Emory, he moved to South Africa and worked as Chief Scout and Coach for Ajax Cape Town. He returned to the United States where he served a two-year stint as an assistant coach for Coastal Carolina University. He would eventually become the owner and coach at the Overstrand Soccer Academy in his residence of Hermanus, South Africa.

He was elected to the Emory Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.