On most match days, the bleachers at the UCF Soccer Complex fill with Knights fans, family members, and friends cheering on their school or favorite player. However, if you look a bit deeper into the crowd, you might find legendary former players who helped shape the Men’s Soccer program.

The men’s soccer program’s history dates back to the Florida Technological University (FTU) days, when legendary head coach Jim Rudy led it. The program celebrated its first win in an unofficial game in 1972 after losing its first 6 contests. Rudy celebrated the win and became motivated to coach young college players, hoping it would help develop the program: “We’re finally playing the way we are supposed to,” Rudy stated in the UCF newspaper archives, Central Florida Future.

One of the players who helped build the program in the early years was center back Don Brown, who Rudy described as a skilled player who remained calm under pressure. Brown now gets to experience the game from the stands, but when prompted, he was happy to reminisce about his time on the field with his teammates as they worked to build the program.

“All the best players from around the community played for FTU, and we all knew one another from playing against each other in high school; we were like a fraternity,” Brown said.

The facilities and advancements in training throughout college soccer were also something Brown took note of: “It’s just so amazing how much better they are than we were. I really enjoy seeing how the game has advanced and how the facilities are so much better than what we had.”

Bill Stevens and his teammates taking a group photo at a soccer field in 1974

Another soccer alum enjoying the current Knights team is Phil Spletter, who played left wing in 1972-73. The Satellite Beach native still makes it to catch a game in person with his former teammates.

One thing that has stood out to Spletter is the remarkable growth and innovation within the UCF community, especially considering the university once had an enrollment of just 7,500 students.

“Here we are, over 50 years later. I called up Donnie [Brown], went to Burger U, had a beer, and here we are,” Spletter said. “Those friendships have lasted a long, long time.”

Bill Stevens, a center back from 1974-78, has also been enjoying watching the Knights play while catching up with his former teammates. Stevens was a productive player during his time with the program; coach Jim Rudy once said, “I’m very pleased with our defense team; Bill Stevens has been playing superb,” in the UCF newspaper archives, Central Florida Future.

Stevens sees some comparison with the version of the Knights and the teams that he was on, “Watching these young men play reminds me of how mediocre we were at the time. We couldn’t run with these guys.”

However, when Stevens reflects back on his time, he has fond memories of spending time with Coach Rudy and former teammates. This bond is what Stevens still enjoys the most: “I see these other gentlemen beside me, and we need to continue recalling our memories and enjoy them.”

For former midfielder and defenseman Mark Stell, even sitting at the UCF Soccer Complex is a huge difference for the program. A member of the 1979-82 teams, Stell recalls playing home games on the soccer field located near the swimming pool at the RWC building. One of Stell’s fondest memories from playing on those fields was beating then-rival Rollins College in both home and away matches with his teammates.

Stell frequently attends the UCF men’s soccer home games to show his appreciation for the game and to support the team. “These are good athletes. They’re trying hard, and I’m sure they’re doing well in school. It’s great to see,” Stell said.

Head coach Jim Rudy left an indelible mark at UCF, finishing his career with a 129-58-18 record and two NCAA tournament appearances. But the records and accomplishments tell only part of the story, as his foresight and dedication helped build the foundation of the UCF Soccer program, which is still growing. Something that still makes his former players proud.

UCF Alumni players (top left to right): Bill Stevens, Mark Stell, Don Brown, and Phil Spletter