Men’s soccer coach Bushéy leaving Whitworth

Sean Bushéy, one of the most successful men’s soccer head coaches in Northwest Conference history, has resigned at Whitworth University to take over as the director of coaching of the Senior Academy for the Colorado Rush youth soccer organization.

In his 17th season last fall, Bushéy led the Pirates to their seventh Northwest Conference championship in the last nine years.

Since taking over as the Bucs’ men’s coach in 1996, he posted a record of 209-86-35. 

In 2001, Bushéy won his first conference championship as Whitworth’s coach and guided the Bucs to the regional final of the NCAA Division III tournament.

Whitworth went on to make the NCAA tournament six more times, including a trip to the Division III final four in 2005 and a spot in the Elite 8 in 2009. Overall Whitworth had a record of 9-6-2 in the NCAA tournament under Bushéy.

“While it is easy to point towards the wins, and thankfully we had some, I will really remember the teams that I was blessed to coach and the experiences we had together,” Bushéy said. 

In addition to his duties coaching men’s soccer, Bushéy also served 12 concurrent seasons as the Whitworth women’s soccer coach from 1997 through 2008, compiling a record of 123-90-16. The Pirates were 80-30-7 over his final six seasons and made their first NCAA Division III tournament in 2007.

In Colorado, Bushéy will be working with, and for, his brother Erik, who directs all operations of the Rush. He will oversee the player development of the U15-U19 boys and girls age groups, with a focus on the teams that participate in the primary U.S. national leagues (U.S. Development Academy for the boys and the Elite Clubs National League for the girls).

He will also aid in the continued education of Rush coaches.

The search for Whitworth’s next men’s soccer coach will begin immediately, athletic director Aaron Leetch said.