CHICAGO (November 5, 2019) – The Loyola University Chicago Department of Athletics is mourning the passing of former men's soccer coach Ray O'Connell, who passed away yesterday. O'Connell served as the head coach of the Ramblers' program for 25 years, from 1980 through 2004.
 
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ray O'Connell," Loyola Senior Associate Athletics Director Tom Hitcho said. "ROC, as he was known to so many, was the first-ever coach of the Ramblers' men's soccer program and made a positive impact on the lives of so many of his student-athletes, not only on the field, but also, and most importantly, off the field. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Carolyn, and sons, Ray and P.J."
 
O'Connell led the Ramblers to 201 wins during his career in Rogers Park, winning 10 or more matches on nine occasions and capturing a share of the Midwestern Collegiate Conference regular-season crown in 2000. 
 
A 1974 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, O'Connell became the first-ever head coach of the Loyola men's soccer program in 1980 and he helped create the Jesuit Cup Tournament, which was held annually in Rogers Park for several years. 
 
During his tenure at Loyola, O'Connell helped recruit and develop numerous all-conference and all-region student-athletes, developing outstanding young men on and off the field. He was also a member of the Division I Ethics Committee and had a very active role in the Positive Coaching Alliance, whose mission was to transform the culture of youth sports to give young athletes a positive and character-building experience through sports.
 
His wife, Carolyn, served as Loyola Athletics' senior woman administrator for over 30 years.
 
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 10, from 3-8 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home in Glenview (1104 Waukegan Road). Funeral services will be Monday, November 11 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Athanasius Parish in Evanston (1615 Lincoln Street).