Clayton Roberts

Clay Roberts was hired as the head coach of the men's soccer program in 2014.

In 2017, Roberts led the Fire to an 8-7-1 overall, and 5-3-1 Sun Conference record. A season plagued with injuries, Roberts managed the team to a 4th place finish, which allowed another first in program history, by hosting a TSC first round tournament game. For their efforts, the Fire saw Gustavo Rodrigues and Caue Salgado selected to the TSC First Team, while Joey Dotson was selected to the TSC All-Conference Honorable Mention. Luke Marchesani and Ethan Carey were honored on the TSC Academic All-Conference team, as well as Daktronics Scholar Athletes. Tyler Gay received the TSC Champions of Character award, the first under Roberts leadership. Gustavo Rodrigues would then go on to be selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team, and also honored as an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention.

In 2016, ranked #15 in the NAIA preseason polls, the Fire faced one of the toughest schedules in the country facing ranked teams such as #2 Rio Grande, #7 Union, #9 William Carey, #13 Thomas, and Receiving Votes St.Thomas, finishing the season at 9-9 overall, and 6-3 in the Sun Conference. The Fire once again returned to the Sun Conference Tournament after finishing tied for 3rd and earning a 5th place seed, losing to Keiser 1-0, in the first round. Once again, many Fire athletes were honored for their efforts. Gerritson Craane, Pedro Ivo Dias, and Jake Van Der Luit were voted to the TSC First Team All-Conference, Kendall Crouse was the TSC Second Team All-Conference, and Jonathan Jimenez was voted to the TSC All-Conference Honorable Mention. Luke Marchesani earned the TSC Academic All-Conference, and Daktronics Scholar Athletes award. Pedro Ivo Dias again would be selected to the NSCAA All-Region team and as an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention.

The 2015 season was historic for the Fire, as Roberts guided SEU to The Sun Conference regular season title with an 8-1 league record, then defended its home pitch during The Sun Conference Tournament, claiming the first title in program history.

For his efforts, Roberts was named The Sun Conference Coach of the Year.

During their first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, the Fire went on the road to Cumberlands University, and came away with a thrilling 1-0 double overtime victory on a goal by freshman Jake Van Der Luit.

The defense was a key to the season, posting nine shutouts, with freshman goalkeeper Jorge Navarrete making 88 saves to earn Sun Conference Freshman of the Year honors.

Offensively, Pedro Ivo Dias was named The Sun Conference Player of the Year, posting 10 goals.

During his first season, the Fire finished 10-6-1 and in sixth place in The Sun Conference. SEU was second in the conference in scoring, averaging 2.44 goals per contest. Defensively, the Fire were second in the league in saves per game at 5.2 and fifth in goals allowed per game at just 1.28.

Roberts currently also serves as the Head Coach of the Florida Tropics, a professional arena soccer team in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).

Prior to Southeastern, Roberts served as the Vice President of Ocala Stampede SC of the United Soccer League. During his time with the Stampede, Roberts was involved in front office management, growth and project and team development, as well as sponsorship and community outreach projects. They competed in the PDL, which has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing across the globe. Roberts also has served as Director of Soccer at VSI Tampa Bay FC, operating a USL PRO franchise, PDL, and WPSL. For 3 years prior to that, Roberts served as Director of Coaching at Brandon FC. Roberts is no stranger to the area; he is a graduate of Plant City High School, and played soccer at Florida Southern College. During his career with the Florida Southern, he was named All-Sunshine State Conference three times, and was selected to the NCAA All-South Region team twice.

After his collegiate career, Roberts played professional soccer with the Charlotte Eagles of the USL PRO league and the Philadelphia KIXX of the Major Indoor Soccer League. Roberts helped each team win league championships.