SEU Athletics
Donnie Smith
LAKELAND, Fla. — Southeastern University Director of Athletics Drew Watson announced the hiring of Caleb Roberts as the new women’s soccer coach.
Roberts has spent the last eight seasons as an assistant coach for the SEU men’s program under his brother, Clay. During that time, Southeastern has advanced to three NAIA National Championship Opening Rounds and won The Sun Conference Tournament twice.
During the 2015 season, the Fire won the conference regular season and tournament titles for the first time in program history, then advanced to the NAIA National Championship Round of 16 after a thrilling overtime win in its first Opening Round appearance in program history.
“This is a huge opportunity and I am very excited to take over a nationally ranked program and help continue to develop the culture that is in place, continue the winning tradition, and create young women ready to be leaders amongst their peers,” said Roberts.
Additionally, Roberts coached the girls’ program at Plant City High School for four seasons and then took over the boys’ program, guiding the team to its first state championship in 2018. Roberts was named the Florida Dairy Farmers’ Coach of the Year that season as well as the United Soccer Coaches High School Coach of the Year.
In nine total seasons as a high school coach, Roberts won six district championships and never had a losing season. In 2013 and 2015, Roberts led the girls’ team to the region final.
“Caleb brings the kind of soccer pedigree and stability that will lead to long term success in our program,” said Watson. “More importantly, he is a leader who knows SEU culture and will invest in our student-athletes far beyond their experience on the field. It’s an exciting day for Fire women’s soccer.”
Roberts played collegiately at Palm Beach Atlantic where he started 46 games and was an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. He takes over a program that is coming off winning The Sun Conference regular season and tournament titles and made its fourth consecutive NAIA National Championship Final Site appearance.