Alun Oliver ’04
Inducted: 2010
Sport: Soccer
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Jersey: #11
Career Highlights:
Alun, a native of Ponty-Pool, Wales, had an illustrious playing career at St. Mary’s, not only leaving his mark on the school record books but also helping to set the standard of play within the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC). When he graduated from St. Mary’s he was the all-time leader in assists with 41 during his four-year career. He also finished second in school history with 123 points and third in goals with 41. He was ranked third in CAC for assists, fourth in points, and eighth in career goals. He is one of two Seahawk men’s soccer players to earn All-Conference recognition for four years and in the history of the conference, one of only six players conference-wide.
As a freshman, he was named 2000 CAC Rookie of the Year and in 2002 CAC Player of the Year and St. Mary’s Male Athlete of the Year. He was a two-time NSCAA/Adidas first team, All-South Region selection in 2002 and 2003; a Seahawk team overall most valued player (MVP) his junior and senior years; and a Seahawk Soccer Classic Offensive MVP his junior year. He led the Seahawks in game-winning goals with 4 in 2002 and 2003. He also led the Seahawks to three straight 10-win seasons as well as three CAC semi-final appearances in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Athletic Accomplishments:
As a freshman, Alun equaled a school record set in 1991 with three assists in a single game. Named to second team, All-CAC, he was chosen Seahawk team Offensive MVP. In his sophomore season, he went into the NCAA Record book for most assists in a single game (5); set an individual record for fastest goal (13 seconds from the start of the game); and finished the season second behind Ryan Olsen ’02 (2008 Hall of Famer) with 11 goals and 14 assists for 36 points. As a junior, he helped lead the Seahawks to a regional ranking of 10th and held the season record. He also passed Ryan Olsen’s assist record and finished the season second in both goals with 15 and total points with 37 and third in assists at seven. Alun led the Seahawks in game-winning goals with four and ranked second in CAC for goals, game-winning goals and total points. As a senior, he set the record for career assists with 41 and finished his Seahawk career as the second highest all-time scorer with 123 points and third in career goals at 41.
Coaching Accomplishments:
Alun was St. Mary’s assistant men’s soccer coach for five seasons (2004-07, 2010) before taking over as the ninth head coach of the Seahawk men’s soccer program in February 2011. In his first three years as head coach, Alun mentored six All-CAC selections and guided the team in its pursuit of academic excellence. In 2011 and 2012, the soccer team achieved a team GPA above 3.0, earning the NSCAA Team Academic Award for both years. He also served as an assistant coach for the boys’ Olympic Development Program (ODP) for four years. In January 2013, Alun earned his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National "B" License.
Most Memorable Sports Experience at St. Mary’s:
"I have experienced many amazing moments at St. Mary’s. However, my most memorable sports moment was an overtime victory against Christopher Newport. It was an extremely competitive game with both sides giving their all for the victory. All of a sudden Brian Wolcott ’05 takes the ball on the half way line during the second period of overtime, takes it up the field and scores. I just remember the crowd pouring on to the field and celebrating with the team…great memory."
Most Missed at St. Mary’s:
"I miss the comaraderie I had with the boys on the team, however we were, and still are extremely close and try to get together as much as we can."
Words of Advice for Today’s Seahawk Athlete:
"Enjoy every second of it…because if you blink you’ll miss it!!"
Since St. Mary’s:
Alun received his master of arts in teaching degree in 2009 from St. Mary’s and was a fourth grade teacher in the St. Mary’s County, Md. public schools before becoming the Seahawk’s mens’ head soccer coach. In September 2014, he was one of 3 Seahawk men’s soccer players selected to the CAC Silver Anniversary Team.
Other Thoughts/Memories:
"My time here at St. Mary’s has been an unforgettable one filled with amazing memories and unbelievable experiences. I would just like to say thank you to everyone that has helped me become the person that I am today."
Current as of 9/17/2014
