PRO CHRISTO ET PATRIA | 1848
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Geneva received a $9.3 million gift - the Riverfront Property - in 2023, including a 40,000 square foot facility ready to serve the College's purposes. The facility includes a 100' x 200' open bay with a 43-foot ceiling - optimal for use as an indoor soccer pitch. The Riverfront building is slated for full development over the next several years including a full-featured Sports & Recreation facility and a new Geneva Engineering Center.
The Dave Murray Soccer Center will provide a competitive edge for Geneva Soccer and all Geneva student-athletes in quality for year-round training and conditioning. This project will also expand recreational opportunities for every Geneva student and for guests of the College through the year. To convert the existing facility into the David Murray Soccer Center we need to remove a loading dock, create an outside entrance, provide athletic quality lighting, mount sports netting around the inside walls, and install the turf.
Bringing together former players and members of the Geneva soccer community for a time of connection, reflection, and celebration. Our gathering will include a shared meal and a special look ahead at the program’s future before heading to Subaru Park for a Philadelphia Union game.
Since 1990, when David Murray took over Geneva men’s soccer, the Golden Tornadoes rose to national prominence — winning the school’s first NCCAA title in 1994. The program remains strong, advancing to NCAA Division III tournament twice in the past five years. After Coach Murray’s fatal accident in 2021, his family and alumni sought a lasting tribute. We can establish the David Murray Soccer Center now — an indoor facility ready for immediate use while broader Riverfront development proceeds.
Pictured: 1973 Soccer Team coached by Ken Hartman
Founded in 1972 under Ken Hartman, Geneva’s men’s soccer program has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most consistent contenders in NCAA Division III. Important contributions were made by every coach in the program’s history, helping Geneva achieve a proud legacy that includes a 1994 NCCAA National Championship coached by Dave Murray and PAC titles in 2016 and 2023 led by Gary Dunda. Now nearing 1,000 matches played, the program’s winning tradition and bright future continue to inspire Golden Tornadoes past and present.
The first varsity women’s soccer team at Geneva College was in 1985. Prior to that, Geneva had a women’s soccer club for five years called the “Women’s Soccer Fellowship.”
Student Joanne Kadlecek was a driving force behind the beginning of the women’s soccer club team. She served as a player-coach for the squad. The Women’s Soccer Fellowship’s goal was “to play for God and be witnesses to others.” The club team made it a weekly focus to spend time in Bible study and prayer, along with practicing and competing.
As the club team became more organized, men’s players volunteered their time to coach and work with the women to improve their play. The Geneva administration decided in 1984 to officially begin a varsity program in 1985 due to the success and interest of the club team. Dr. Suhail Hanna, who was a professor in Geneva’s English department, was named the first coach, and oversaw the program in its inaugural season.
Please prayerfully consider how you might play a meaningful role in this transformative project to build our soccer program's future, advance Golden Tornado athletics, and enhance the ministry of education for years to come.
| # of DONORS | GIFT AMOUNT | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| 3 | $50,000 | $150,000 |
| 6 | $25,000 | $150,000 |
| 10 | $10,000 | $100,000 |
| 10 | $5,000 | $50,000 |
| 80 | $2,500 | $50,000 |
| 40 | $1,000 | $40,000 |
| MANY | MISC. | $20,000 |
| TOTAL | $660,000 |
Use the following form to support the Dave Murray Soccer Center project. If you would like to make a commitment to provide your gift in installments over two or three years, please complete a multi-year commitment form.