When Southwestern Christian University Athletic Director Mark Arthur hired Neil Cagle to head the men's soccer team in 2009, he knew that he was hiring a difference maker. Prior to coming to SCU, Neil Cagle - now the head men's soccer coach at SCU - had proven himself a consistent winner for his sixteen year stint as a high school soccer coach. Cagle posted a record of 148-37-4 while starting three programs from scratch was known for his victorious triumphs as an underdog.
After joining the Eagles, Coach Cagle immediately saw success at the collegiate level. In his first two and a half years as the Eagles' fearless leader, he helped his players to an overall record of 40-13-2, posting a 16-5 record in his initial season and a 20-3 in his second season. Cagle's 2009 squad won the ACCA National Championship and his 2010 squad came up second in the MCAC, losing only to Bellevue at their place in overtime. Both his 2009 and 2010 teams qualified for the NCCAA national tournament in Florida.
Coach Cagle was selected as ACCA National Coach of the Year in 2009 and the NCCAA Regional Coach of the Year in 2009 and again in 2010. He was also named the MCAC Coach of the Year in 2010.
After missing the first half of the 2011 season while taking care of his wife who was seriously injured in an accident, Cagle returned to the pitch to a struggling Eagles' squad. Cagle rallied his troops, taking them all the way to the MCAC Championship match - a game that they lost in the last minute.
The soccer field, however, is not the only aim for this head coach.
"My goal as a coach is to produce athletes that come out of SCU with college degrees and successful careers. I want my players to honor God and be men of integrity."
Coach Cagle is married to Cindy, whom he affectionately calls "the former Miss Louisianna". Together, they have three soccer playing sons: Michael, Dustin, and Austin. Brintley, their only granddaughter, can often be found on the sidelines at home matches.
