Corvallis – National championship coach and native Oregonian Terry Boss has returned to Oregon State as the head men’s soccer coach, Beaver Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes announced Thursday. 

“I would like to thank Scott Barnes, Kimya Massey (OSU associate athletic director) and the rest of search committee for entrusting me with this opportunity,” Boss said. “It’s a dream come true to return home and lead the Oregon State Beavers’ men’s soccer team. This is the community I love and a program that has always been near and dear to my heart.”

Boss, a native of Philomath, Ore., recently completed his fourth season at the University of Virginia and his second as the Cavaliers’ associate head coach. He helped the Cavs advance to the NCAA Tournament all four years, including winning the national championship in 2014. Boss was also a key figure in Virginia’s last three recruiting classes that ranked in the top 10 nationally, including No. 2 in 2015 and No. 5 in 2016.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Boss back to Oregon State,” Barnes said. “Coach Boss brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of collegiate and professional soccer, and has unique knowledge of the Pac-12 landscape that is invaluable as we move our program forward.

We’d also like to thank Coach (Ben) Stoddard for serving as the interim head coach for the last several weeks and look forward to his continued contributions as associate head coach.”

Boss was the lead assistant at Oregon State for the 2013 season and helped shape the program that advanced to the 2014 NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years. In 2013, goalkeeper Matt Bersano earned Pac-12 Second Team honors.

“I believe in this program; this is a program that will be synonymous with academic achievement and athletic excellence on the national stage,” Boss added.

Boss began his coaching career at Tulsa University, his alma mater, in 2012. He helped the Golden Hurricane to a 14-6-1 record, the Conference USA title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament’s “Sweet 16.” 

In his six years as an assistant coach, Boss has been associated with teams that have compiled a 68-35-17 record and played in five NCAA Tournaments.

As a student-athlete at Tulsa, Boss helped the team advance to the 2003 and ’04 NCAA Tournaments.  He appears among the top goalkeepers in the Golden Hurricane’s history and was a standout academically.

Boss followed his collegiate career with a lengthy professional one playing seven seasons before retiring in 2012. His last three years were spent with the Seattle Sounders of Major League Soccer where he picked up 28 saves and three shutouts, and posted a 6-2-1 record. During his time in Seattle, he played with Kasey Keller, one of the premier American goalkeepers of all time. As a Sounder, Boss won three consecutive US Open Cup titles and played against some of the best clubs in the world, including Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester United, Celtic, Chivas de Guadalajara and Boca Juniors.

Prior to that, he was with the New York Red Bulls (2008-09), as well as the United Soccer League's Charlotte Eagles (2005, 2008), and Puerto Rico Islanders (2006-07). He helped the Eagles to the USL-2 title and was honored with the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. His international competition includes being a part of the Puerto Rico National Team (2009-12) which includes twice competing in the World Cup Qualifying Rounds.

Boss earned his bachelor's degree in finance in 2004 from Tulsa.

Boss possesses USSF A and USSF Goalkeeping licenses, and in June will earn his UEFA B License.

A Philomath, Oregon, native, Boss is married to Hannah. His brother, Kevin, won a Super Bowl championship and played tight end with the New York Giants.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT TERRY BOSS

“No one I ever played with worked harder than Terry.  When he was given the news that he had to retire from playing, he focused that tremendous work ethic into transforming himself into a great coach.  Nobody deserves this more!” Three-time U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, Kasey Keller

“Terry showed great leadership on and off the field during his time with Seattle Sounders FC. He is a true student of the game and has developed into a very good coach. I am looking to watching his continued success.” Chris Henderson, VP of Soccer Seattle Sounders FC

“Terry is an amazing young man. His work-ethic was unmatched in all the years I’ve coached. He has a high soccer IQ that enables him to analyze every aspect of the game. One characteristic that Terry always exhibits is his desire and passion for excellence in all areas of the game and his life. He will succeed in whatever he puts his mind to.” United Soccer League Hall of Fame coach Mark Steffens

“Oregon State has hired an outstanding men’s soccer coach. Terry is full of passion, ideas, and has a tireless work ethic. He has been an important part of our program and we will miss him. I am looking forward to following his career at Oregon State.  We wish him the best of luck and success.” Virginia men’s soccer head coach George Gelnovatch

“Terry is a Pacific Northwest success story … he’s now headed home and I believe he’ll just continue his winning ways.   He’s proud of his roots, and will work tirelessly to build the program that his home state will be proud of.  Terry is as genuine a person as there is in the game.  He’s a competitor, but takes pride in doing things the right way.  He will be a great addition to the conference, and will keep the Pac-12 as one of the toughest conferences in the country.”  Washington men’s soccer head coach Jamie Clark

“I couldn’t be more excited and happy for both Coach Terry Boss and Oregon State Soccer. Terry is not only one of the best young coaches in the country, but one of the best human beings and mentors in the game.” Wake Forest men’s soccer head coach Bobby Muuss

“Terry is a professional, all around. During my time at Oregon State I was lucky enough to spend a season working with Coach Boss and he demonstrated his professionalism daily through his vast soccer experience and his overall connection with the players. I'm excited for him to get working with the guys and start the push for the program to be at the level nationally that this university deserves.” OSU two-time Pac-12 Conference goalkeeper honoree and current San Jose Earthquake Matt Bersano

“Terry Boss is one of the most hard working, committed and supportive teammates I’ve ever had. A great acquisition by Oregon State.” Former Seattle Sounder and current assistant coach at VFL Wolfsburg Freddie Ljungberg.