Isaacson set to join Luther Hall of Fame
INDIANOLA, Iowa – Former Luther goalkeeper and current Simpson head men's soccer coach Rick Isaacson will be inducted into the Luther Athletics Hall of Fame, as announced by the Luther College Athletic Department and Hall of Fame committee.
Isaacson starred as a goalkeeper at Luther from 1999-2002, leading the Norse to three Iowa Conference Championships and a trio of NCAA Tournament appearances in 1999, 2001 and 2002 including an Elite Eight berth in 2001. He was a two-time NSCAA Second Team All-West Region selection, a three-time all-conference performer and earned Iowa Conference MVP honors in 2002.
In the NCAA Division III record books, Isaacson currently ranks seventh with 40 career shutouts in 88 appearances. His career shutouts rank first in program and conference history, while his career goals against average (0.87) ranks third all-time at Luther.
Isaacson completed his 12th season as head coach of the Storm this past fall. With his 10th win of the season, he surpassed Aziz Haffer as the program's all-time wins leader and currently boasts an impressive 130-77-21 career record. The Storm have reached the conference tournament each year with Isaacson as head coach, advancing to the semifinals eight times.
Throughout Coach Isaacson's tenure, the Storm have produced 61 all-conference selections, nine all-region distinctions, two conference MVP honors and one All-American nod. Academically, two players have earned NCAA postgraduate scholarships and four have been named Academic All-Americans, including Garrett Pochop who became the College's first Academic All-American of the Year in 2017.
Prior to his arrival at Simpson, Isaacson served as head boys soccer coach at Ankeny High School for seven seasons. The three-time CIML Central Conference Coach of the Year led the Hawks to four state tournament appearances during his tenure. His 2007 squad won the Iowa High School Class 2A State Championship, a memorable win for the young coach who also hoisted a state trophy with his own teammates at Urbandale High School in 1998.
Isaacson will officially be inducted during a short ceremony on Friday, Oct. 6 on Luther's campus. He will also be recognized during Luther's Homecoming festivities at the football and soccer games. For more information, click here.
About the Luther Athletics Hall of Fame
In order to be eligible for the Luther Athletics Hall of Fame, individuals must be a graduate of the college with not only an outstanding athletic resume, but an equally impressive professional career post graduation. Initiates must also have graduated 10 years prior to their induction and contributed to community life after graduation. All honorees are selected by the Hall of Fame committee, which is composed of current and former coaches and staff members in the Norse Athletic Department.
