Clive Charles, 1951-2003
He was the greatest coach in more than a century of University of
Portland athletics, leading his women's and men's soccer teams to 439
victories, 20 national playoff berths, 13 league titles, and a glorious
and emotional national championship (the 2002 Pilot women). His players
went on to play on the national teams of Canada, Mexico, and the United
States, and play too in the professional ranks in America and Europe and
Asia, and earn Olympic gold medals, and win World Cups. He coached the
United States Olympic Team (1996-2000) and Women's National Team
(1993-1996). He was a professional soccer star in England, Wales, and
North America, and was named to the all-time North American Soccer
League team by Pele himself. He was a sweet husband and father. He was
an extraordinary demanding hilarious needling generous impatient patient
teacher for 17 years on The Bluff. He was a gift from God.