By: Ahmad Smith
This week, we are taking a brief pause from highlighting Mississippi Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) programs during Black History Month to celebrate history in the making at Tuskegee University.
Less than a week ago, the university officially named its first-ever Men’s and Women’s Soccer Head Coaches, marking a major milestone for HBCU athletics.
Tuskegee University and its Department of Athletics announced the historic hires through the university’s website and social media platforms.
Coach Emmanuel Stephens and Coach Matthew Tarpley have been charged with building the world’s most popular sport at Tuskegee University and establishing competitive soccer programs from the ground up.
Emmanuel Stephens joins Tuskegee University from the University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff, where he led the women’s soccer program. As the new Head Coach for Women’s Soccer at Tuskegee, Stephens brings more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience. He will look to build on his previous successes to develop a strong and competitive program for the Golden Tigers.
Matthew Tarpley has been named the inaugural Men’s Head Soccer Coach. He arrives from Faulkner University, where he assisted in the development of both the men’s and women’s soccer programs. Tarpley also brings significant experience from the high school and youth soccer levels, including managing club teams and developing players within the Auburn Soccer Club Academy.
The Golden Tigers are currently recruiting for both NCAA Division II independent soccer programs as they prepare to launch their inaugural seasons in late August 2026.
For more information about the men’s and women’s soccer programs, or for recruitment inquiries, contact Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin at rruffin@tuskegee.edu.
