In 1989, Richard Nuttall took over a program that saw little success for the greater part of the team’s history. Fast forward 33 seasons ­– and 301 career wins later ­– Nuttall has changed the culture of the men’s soccer team, transforming the Pride into a consistent frontrunner in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).

The 300th career victory came this season against Columbia University, a win that allowed Nuttall to reflect on his career.

“It made me think about the people who’ve been on the journey with me. I’m sort of driving the bus with a lot of extraordinary people on with me,” Nuttall said. “First thoughts were thankful to the wife and family for letting me do this since it is very time consuming. It’s more of a way of life than it is a job. Then thankful to all the people who’ve helped me along the way.”

A native of South Yorkshire, England, Nuttall found his love of soccer from a young age.

“As a seven-year-old I got addicted [to soccer],” Nuttall said. “Growing up in England, it’s all around you and those days with no computers you were playing soccer on the street or field or you were watching it on the telly or locally.”

Upon coming to the United States, Nuttall noticed some differences in the game, but an upward trend for the game’s culture.

“[Soccer] is a true way of life in England. Some people liked rugby or cricket but everyone liked [soccer]. People were invested in the game. Coming from there to the states it was very different,” Nuttall said. “I did see an underlining enthusiasm for the game and I’ve seen it growing every year since I’ve been here. It’s booming and there’s an incredible interest in the game in this country now.”

In the years since Nuttall’s arrival at Hofstra, a culture of family has been created between Hofstra’s athletic programs and community.

“I enjoy coming to work every day. When I come in every morning there’s three custodians here … who are incredible people and it starts there,” Nuttall said. “You walk in the building and it’s part family.”

This year, Hofstra is on course for a historic season at 11-1-1, sitting among the top teams in the CAA. 

“We are difficult to play against and we defend and attack well. If you stop us in one area, there’s other areas we can get at you,” Nuttall said. “We got a lot of talented players and on top of that you need a togetherness as a team and we are together and they work for each other. You put all those pieces into the mix and we are effective.” 

Hofstra’s offensive attack has been led by an unlikely source, as Ryan Carmichael has emerged this season with 10 goals and two assists thus far.

“First of all, Ryan [Carmichael] is a great kid. He makes us laugh a lot and he’s got his ways and I think he’s just starting to get there on the maturity side,” Nuttall said. “We are just thankful to have him, we love him and hopefully he keeps getting better.” 

Along with Carmichael, the Pride offense with Hendrik Hebbeker, Matthew Vowinkel and Storm Strongin has outscored opponents 32-10, applying pressure on opposing defenses out of the gate.

“[Carmichael’s] got athletes around him such as Vowinkel and [Hebbeker] and [Strongin] taking the weight off him on the field and giving him room to maneuver, because [teams] are worried about the other three, as well,” Nuttall said.

As good as the Pride offense has been, the defense has followed suit, limiting the chances for teams to score with five shutouts on the season. 

“[Our defense is] well led by George O’Malley and Stefan Mason, the captains, and we say our defense is all 11 players,” Nuttall said. “Wessel [Speel’s] been doing a great job along with Pierce [Infuso] and [Mason] Tatafu. We defend as a team, so you have to give credit to all the guys.”

Although this team may be destined for greatness, there is still one piece the Pride has to figure out: James Madison University (JMU).

“We’ve lost to [JMU] three times in the last three years on penalties, and it’s a fine line. Each year is different, we move on, we speak about the journey as a team. We can’t move forward if we are looking in the past,” Nuttall said. “JMU is a fantastic team, one of the best in the country as proven by their runs in the NCAA [tournament], but we feel we are better than we have ever been and hopefully we can get past [them].”

As the Pride continue through the season, Nuttall is constantly reflecting on everyone who has helped him along the way.

“[After] more than the 300 wins, I think I’m proud of my players who’ve gone on into society after they graduate here. The wins are nice, but I think [the] effect of the people on society are what I’m most proud of,” Nuttall said. “I keep in touch with most of them, not all of them, because you can’t please all the people all the time, but most of them stay in contact. Most are doing incredible things in life, and that’s what I’m most proud of.”

The family bond the team shares is reflected within Nuttall’s own family, with two of his children currently playing for Hofstra soccer: Jack Nuttall on the men’s team and Caroline Nuttall on the women’s team.  

“It’s joyous. Jack on my team, he’s persevered and on his fifth year with us. He’s a great person and I’m proud of what he’s going to be,” Nuttall said. “With Caroline, she’s stood the task and is getting minutes here and there, and again, I’m proud to watch her grow as a person and as a soccer player. It’s nice that your kids are enjoying life and getting their degrees and preparing themselves for the next step.”

Another member of Nuttall’s Hofstra soccer family for is women’s soccer head coach Simon Riddiough, a former player for Nuttall.

“Since the day I recruited him, I remember the first day he was on the far side of the field and he was flying down the line and was tough as nails. I was there to watch another player and I’m glad that he was playing that day,” Nuttall said. “Then he became an assistant coach on the women’s team and learned his trade and he’s his own man and a wonderful coach. I believe he’s in the top three or four women’s coaches in the country, and I think Hofstra’s lucky to have him.”  

With 33 seasons under his belt, Nuttall has experienced great achievements during his time with Hofstra. With four CAA Championships, several NCAA Tournament wins and now 300 wins in his career, Nuttall has fueled the Pride throughout his tenure.

“There’re so many great memories, it would be hard to name one [favorite]. The first conference championship we won was a great memory. The biggest thing is the people I’ve been lucky enough to coach,” Nuttall said. “Some of the greatest memories are when they come back with their families and I get introduced. From games, comeback games, goals, championships and [seeing] what your players do when they go into society and keeping in contact, I can’t isolate one moment.”

Photo Courtesy of Adam Flash/The Hofstra Chronicle