BOURBONNAIS, IL – Olivet Nazarene University announced plans for a new soccer building during a faculty and staff meeting on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. The building will include locker rooms and team meeting rooms, along with a concession stand and public restrooms for spectators—all located near the soccer fields.
At the same faculty and staff meeting, Dr. Jason Stephens, vice president of student development, recognized Bill Bahr ’96/’02 MBA for his outstanding 25-year career and transformative impact on the university’s women’s soccer program. Stephens announced the name of the new facility as he addressed Bahr from the stage. Stephens stated, “For your outstanding contribution to the university, for your unparalleled excellence in your profession, and for a life of service to God and humanity, we are pleased to share that the new complex will be known as the Bill Bahr Soccer Facility!”
The announcement was received with a standing ovation by the faculty and staff, along with Bahr’s family and the Women’s Soccer team, who joined the meeting for this announcement.
Bahr, who returned to his alma mater in 1998 as a graduate assistant in the ONU Chaplain’s Office, has built an impressive legacy both on and off the field. Under his leadership since 1999, the women’s soccer program has achieved remarkable success, including a historic NAIA National Championship Final appearance in 2012 when he was named NAIA and NSCAA Coach of the Year.
“Coach Bahr’s influence extends far beyond his impressive win-loss record,” said Justin Glenn, athletic director. “His dedication to developing student-athletes both as players and individuals exemplifies Olivet’s mission of excellence in education and faith.”
Bahr’s achievements to date include leading the Tigers to their first NCCAA tournament championship in 2008 and earning an impressive 333 wins as a coach, the NAIA’s 6th most among active coaches, and 8th most of all time.
While Bahr continues coaching at Olivet, he also serves as a faculty member in the Department of Exercise and Sports Science, teaching sports law and athletic marketing. His commitment to education earned him Olivet’s Faculty Member of the Year Award in 2012.
The new soccer facility naming will celebrate Bahr’s enduring legacy and his contributions to ONU athletics.
Jeff Domagalski, advancement officer for athletics, said, “This is more than a building. Our student athletes help make Olivet a better place every day and this helps our soccer players to have a place of their own. Ask any of our alumni and they will recall a building or some space around campus that was ‘theirs’—where they shared laughter with friends and had significant conversations. This building will enhance Olivet athletes’ experience for years to come, by not just giving them a new locker room, but also meeting spaces for the team and coaches. This will be a place for our students to bond as a team, and to have those conversations about both soccer and life.” Domagalski also added that the fundraising efforts are “making great progress thanks to the support of Olivet’s generous donors.”
To financially support Olivet and the new locker room facility, visit olivet.edu/donate. For more information about the ONU Men’s and Women’s Soccer programs, visit onutigers.com.
