Jake Berry’s Journey to Liberty University
Step onto the pitch at Liberty University and you’ll hear plenty of buzz around Jake Berry. Since taking up the Associate Head Coach role in January 2020, Berry has left his mark, blending coaching horsepower with a personal touch that resonates from locker room to game day. But he didn’t just appear out of thin air—his roots go deep into collegiate soccer culture.
Before his Liberty chapter, Berry shaped young players and programs at Belmont Abbey College. During his five years there, he spent three crucial seasons guiding the team as assistant coach. He originally specialized with the goalkeepers, putting in the groundwork from 2015 to 2017 before moving into broader roles. He dove into recruiting, tactical plans, and the kind of preparation you only learn from hours on the practice pitch and the sideline. His coaching life also included a stint at Campbell University, adding more experience and different perspectives before Liberty called his name.
The Berry Effect: Pushing Liberty Soccer to New Heights
When Jake Berry arrived at Liberty, the men’s soccer program was looking for that next-level spark. Berry brought just that. In 2021, the Flames did what had never been done in school history: they broke into the national soccer rankings—peaking impressively at No. 15. Defensively, the team shined with a program-best eight shutouts, racking up a .667 shutout percentage that rivals some of the most disciplined teams in the country.
That season included some real headline moments. Knocking off North Carolina for Liberty’s first-ever win against the powerhouse Tar Heels wasn’t just an upset—it was a signal that the program could now hang with some of the best in college soccer. This was no fluke, either. In the 2020-21 pandemic-shortened season, Liberty still managed to go 7-3-2, showing resilience when many teams struggled just to keep structure and morale intact.
Ask anyone close to the program, and they’ll tell you Berry’s focus goes further than just wins and stats. His coaching is rooted in player growth both on and off the field. He doesn’t just develop athletes; he builds character and emphasizes leadership through faith-driven values—something that’s become a calling card for his approach at Liberty. It’s not rare for Berry to weave mentorship talks into practice sessions, challenging young players to grow as responsible men, not just soccer talents.
Berry’s wide-ranging expertise stands out. Recruiting has become sharper under his watch, making sure Liberty attracts not just skilled players but the right fits for the team culture. Tactical decisions—especially in defense and transitions—are visibly tighter and more organized. And the goalkeepers? They’ve only gotten sharper since Berry arrived, a clear nod to his background and training methods.
With Jake Berry steering the ship alongside the Liberty staff, the men’s soccer program looks less like a dark horse and more like a real contender. The team is earning respect not just for wins but for a steady identity built on discipline, character, and a brand of faith-fueled leadership that’s hard to miss.