BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Women's Soccer Head Coach Jim Stone announced the addition of Ryan Raufus as an assistant coach for the Beaver soccer program.
 
Raufus brings more than two decades of coaching experience across the collegiate, club and high school ranks, including 14 seasons as head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and most recently serving as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Throughout his coaching career, Raufus has developed numerous all-conference, all-region and All-America student-athletes while establishing himself as one of the most respected coaches in the Upper Midwest.
 
"Ryan brings incredible coaching experience, familiarity with our program and a wealth of Midwest recruiting ties," said Stone. "When you look at his resumé and see the success he's had as a head coach at the college level, club level and high school level, you can see we are very blessed with this hire. In addition, and more importantly, his character aligns with our program values. Ryan is going to be a great resource for our players, coaches and myself. He will assume large responsibilities in the training of players, recruitment of future Beavers and scouting of opponents. We are very excited to welcome Ryan into our Beaver Family."
 
During the 2025 season at Wisconsin-La Crosse, Raufus helped guide the Eagles to the second round of the NCAA DIII Women's Soccer Tournament while the team led all NCAA Division III programs with 103 goals scored and produced one All-American, five All-Region selections, and eight All-Conference honorees.
 
Prior to his time at Wisconsin-La Crosse, Raufus spent 14 seasons as head coach at Wisconsin-Stout. His 78 career victories remain the most in program history, and his teams produced an All-American, an Academic All-American, four All-Region selections, and 19 All-Conference performers. Under his leadership, the Blue Devils earned regional rankings in 2011, 2015, 2017, and 2021.
 
Raufus has also built an extensive reputation throughout the Upper Midwest club soccer landscape, serving in leadership and coaching roles with Rush Wisconsin West, Salvo Soccer Club, Woodbury Soccer Club, and Coulee Region Minnesota. His experience developing players at both the collegiate and youth levels has helped numerous student-athletes advance their playing careers.
 
"I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to join the Bemidji State Women's Soccer program," Raufus said. "Bemidji State has built an outstanding reputation within the NSIC and throughout the region. Having worked camps on campus previously, I have seen firsthand the quality of the student-athletes, coaching staff, and university community. I am looking forward to helping our players continue their development and contributing to the program's continued success."
 
In addition to his coaching experience, Raufus holds a Bachelor of Science from Springfield College, a teaching certification from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and a Master of Science in Physical Education Teaching. He also holds both the NSCAA National Diploma and NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.
 
Raufus will assist with all aspects of the Bemidji State Women's Soccer program, including recruiting, player development, training sessions, match preparation, scouting, and campus engagement. His extensive coaching background and player-centered approach will further strengthen a Beaver Soccer program that is continuously one of the top teams in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and the Midwest Region.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State soccer program, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaverSoccer), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSoccer).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
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