Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Tuskegee University is officially entering the global stage of “the world’s game,” launching its first-ever men’s and women’s soccer programs beginning in late August. Following a national search, the University has appointed its inaugural head coaches: Mathew Tarpley as Head Coach of Men’s Soccer and Emanuel Stephens as Head Coach of Women’s Soccer—two leaders ready to build dynamic programs from the ground up.
“The world’s most popular sport—one supported by more than 5 billion fans globally and now the fastest-growing sport in the United States—has found a home at Tuskegee University,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO. “By launching men’s and women’s soccer, we join a global community of athletes and supporters and expand Tuskegee’s international footprint at a time when American interest in the game has never been higher.
This moment represents more than a new sport—it is another bold step in Tuskegee’s Renaissance era, where Mother Tuskegee reclaims her rightful place in intercollegiate athletics and in every field of endeavor. We proudly welcome Coach Tarpley and Coach Stephens to the Tuskegee Family and look forward to building a program that excites our alumni, inspires our students, and attracts new Golden Tigers from around the world.”
Tuskegee is now actively recruiting students to join the inaugural teams, which will compete independently in NCAA Division II. Home matches will be played at historic Abbott Stadium, bringing a new energy and new fans to the Tuskegee campus.
“We are thrilled to begin this chapter of the Tuskegee Athletics story—bringing soccer to Mother Tuskegee and welcoming more talented student-athletes to this hallowed ground,” said Reginald Ruffin, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Director. “Our commitment to building and supporting well-rounded, highly competitive, high-achievers in the classroom and on the field remains front and center as we build soccer teams that are the best of the best in college sports.”
Meet the New Coaches
Women’s Soccer – Head Coach Emanuel Stephens
Emanuel Stephens brings more than 16 years of collegiate coaching experience across NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NAIA, and junior college programs. Most recently, he served as Head Women’s Soccer Coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (NCAA Division I) in 2025. Under his leadership, UAPB produced the SWAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and earned an impressive team Fall GPA of 3.7, demonstrating his commitment to holistic student-athlete development.
A native of Atlanta, Stephens holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from Georgia Southwestern State University.
“At Tuskegee University, my journey enters a new chapter,” said Stephens. “Building a women’s soccer program from the ground up at one of the most historic and respected institutions in the nation is both humbling and inspiring. The opportunity to create something new while honoring a legacy of excellence is powerful.”
Men’s Soccer – Head Coach Mathew Tarpley
Mathew Tarpley brings a diverse coaching portfolio spanning high school, club, and collegiate levels. He most recently served as Recruiting Coordinator at Faulkner University in Montgomery, assisting both the men’s and women’s teams. Tarpley also serves as Academy Director for the Auburn Soccer Club, overseeing 15 teams and more than 500 players.
Additionally, he has coached high school soccer in Alabama since 2013 and led Tallassee High School to the state semifinals—a remarkable turnaround for a program that was 1–10 just three years earlier.
Tarpley, also an Atlanta native, holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Brenau University, a Master’s in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia, and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum Instruction from Piedmont University.
“Coaching is about so much more than winning and losing,” said Tarpley. “Creating a culture – that is the hard part and we’re up to the challenge!”
“Setting a high standard on day one will allow us to mold these young men,” he said. “We will not be outworked. On and off the pitch our players will put in the work. We will lift, we will run, we will train, we will eat right, we will take care of our bodies, and develop life skills that our players will be able to carry with them long after they have left Tuskegee University.”
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