Photo Courtesy of Susquehanna Athletics
By Thamoda Haputhanthri
For 28 years, the sidelines of Sassafras Fields had a constant: Jim Findlay’s voice, presence, and belief in his players. This fall, for the first time in almost three decades, that sideline will sound different.
On Feb. 25, Susquehanna University announced their new Associate Director of Athletics, which would see Coach Findlay walk away from Head Coach of men’s soccer after to take on the role.
During his tenure as head coach, Findlay garnered 209 wins, 45 draws and 216 draws (82W-16D-88L in conference), winning three landmark conference titles in the process. Findlay attributed his success to a simple philosophy.
“Surround yourself with great people and great things can happen. And that’s something I feel I was able to do,” Findlay said.
Findlay was adamant that the key to a successful and dominant squad was a harmonious and hardworking dressing room atmosphere, stating “Those award-winning players were both great players and teammates. Great teammates lead those around them to be great as well. “
Findlay considered that the most talented team he coached was the 2010 Susquehanna team. With six wins and one loss in the conference, they would pick up the first landmark conference seed, only to unfortunately lose in the Landmark Conference Tournament to Catholic.
However, it is incredibly hard to argue that one of Findlay’s most impressive seasons would be the 2012 season. In 2012, the River Hawks would break school records, 18 wins, a -game unbeaten streak and 12 shutouts.
This incredible season would come to an end in the third round of the NCAA Tournament after winning their third landmark championship.
Reflecting on that year, Findlay reminisced “Of course, that was a magical season where everything just fell into place. Great players. Great teammates, and strong leadership which culminated to be a season to remember.”
It is important not to forget that despite being known extremely well around Selinsgrove for being the face of the men’s soccer dugout, Findlay also served as the Head Coach of women’s soccer between 1999 and 2005 and in 2011.
Findlay would record four MAC Commonwealth playoff appearances and post 73 wins, 9 draws and 60 losses during his stint.
“I really enjoyed coaching the women’s team as we also had some great players and leaders during that time,” Findlay said.
Findlay stated that one of his proudest accomplishments at Susquehanna was coaching both the men’s and women’s team.
“After a couple of seasons with both teams, they both started to make the conference playoffs, and our women even made it to two conference finals,” Findlay said. “It took a lot of hard work and having great assistants on both sides, but that’s something I’m still proud of to this day.”
Since then, Head Coach Nick Hoover and Assistant Coach Eva Stoessel have taken the reins, with the women’s program blooming into a successful and dominant force.
Through 28 years at the job, Findlay built a tight ship through recruitment, coaching, and player development, but he would be the first to admit he learned some lessons the hard way. He still laughs about a moment from his second year as head coach, when his team scored late to go up 1–0 and he told an assistant to call the pizza place and have the postgame order delivered early.
A minute later, the opponent equalized, the match went to a long overtime, and Susquehanna ultimately lost 2–1. “We never made that mistake again of calling for pizza before the game is done,” Findlay said.
As Findlay looks towards a future as the Assistant Director of Athletics, he does so with a deep sense of gratitude of players and people who defined his coaching journey.
“I’m so thankful and grateful to have possibly played a small role in the growth of so many soccer players throughout the years,” he said. “I’ve gained so much from each connection, and I hope they’ve picked up a little something from me too.”
Findlay looks forward to the possibility of making a positive difference in the lives of even more athletes in this new stage of life.
Before closing this chapter of his life, Findlay wanted to acknowledge the people who stood beside him throughout his career. He offered “a big thanks” to the many coaches he worked with across both programs, noting how each left a positive impact on him and his players.
But one name stood out above the rest: Terry Brennan, the current men’s assistant coach who spent 27 of Findlay’s 28 seasons by his side. Findlay called Brennan’s commitment “epic,” especially given his demanding full‑time job outside coaching. “Cannot thank him enough,” Findlay said.
Looking back on this illustrious career, Findlay saw a journey defined more by the people around him, than the results. Findlay’s impact on Susquehanna soccer is already etched into the program’s history, but his influence on the university is far from finished.
As he steps into his new role as the Associate Director of Athletics, he does so with the same purpose that guided him on the sideline, a commitment to helping young athletes grow, succeed, and find their place within a community he has spent nearly three decades shaping.