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Cornell University Athletics

Hall of Fame

Bruce Arena, HOF

Bruce S. Arena

  • Class
    1973
  • Induction
    1986
  • Sport(s)
    Men's Soccer, Men's Lacrosse

He was All-Ivy first team as a lacrosse midfielder and soccer goaltender in his senior year. A tri-captain and team MVP in 1973, he was also All-Ivy first team in lacrosse as a junior. In 1972 he was the team’s fifth-leading scorer and finished third in his final year. He was named to the All-America second team as a senior and received honorable mention honors the previous season. In soccer he was named the team’s most valuable player in 1972 when the Big Red reached the semifinals of the NCAA championships. He was named the tourney’s outstanding defensive player. Drafted by the New York Cosmos in 1973, he played for Seattle and Tacoma in the pro leagues. He toured Italy and Israel with the U.S. National team in 1972. He was also a member of the U.S. National Lacrosse team in 1974, and participated in the World Lacrosse Games in 1978. In addition, he played in the National Lacrosse League in 1975. He coached the Cornell freshman lacrosse team in 1974, and returned as head coach of the Big Red varsity B team in 1978. In May of 1978 he was appointed head soccer and assistant lacrosse coach at the University of Virginia. A graduate of Carey High School and Nassau Community College, he resided in Franklin Square, N.Y. as an undergraduate.

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