Bryan Byars

University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Title

Assistant Soccer Coach

Bryan Byars joined the University of Central Oklahoma soccer coaching staff in 2024 and serves as goalkeepers coach.

In his first season in 2024, Byars helped UCO's defense while the Bronchos made a run at the MIAA Championship. UCO finished runners-up in the league's postseason championship and qualified for the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship, where Central advanced to the Central Regional semifinals.

In his second season, UCO finished with a record of 10-6-5 and earned second in the MIAA Championship Tournament. Byars helped the team achieve seven shutouts throughout the season, including one in the MIAA Championship Semifinals. Central Oklahoma also had a goalkeeper earn MIAA Honorable Mention.

He works with Central's goalkeeper position, assisting in training plans and on-field coaching.

Byars, who is from Oklahoma City, played high school soccer at Putnam City North before beginning his collegiate career at Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas. After sitting out a redshirt season, Byars transferred to Science & Arts in Chickasha and is still today one of the best goalkeepers in school history there. Byars's 0.65 goals against average ranks second all-time and his 229 career saves are third all-time. He owns the school record for career wins (64) and career shutouts (46).

Byars also played professional soccer for Oklahoma City Energy FC and Tulsa FC.