Ryan Raufus joined the Bemidji State University Women's Soccer coaching staff in 2026, bringing more than 20 years of coaching experience and a proven track record of player development, recruiting success, and program leadership at the collegiate, club, and high school levels.
Raufus arrives in Bemidji following a successful season as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he helped guide the Eagles to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. UW-La Crosse finished the season as the nation's highest-scoring NCAA Division III team with 103 goals while producing one All-American, five All-Region performers, and eight All-Conference selections.
Prior to his time at UW-La Crosse, Raufus spent 14 seasons as head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. During his tenure, he became the winningest coach in program history with 78 career victories. His teams developed numerous standout student-athletes, including an All-American, an Academic All-American, four All-Region performers, and 19 All-Conference honorees. Under his leadership, Wisconsin-Stout earned regional recognition multiple times, finishing ranked among the top 10 teams in the region during the 2011, 2015, 2017, and 2021 seasons.
Recognized throughout the Upper Midwest soccer community, Raufus has also coached extensively within elite club soccer. His experience includes leadership positions with Rush Wisconsin West, Salvo Soccer Club, Woodbury Soccer Club, and Coulee Region Minnesota, providing him with strong recruiting connections and a deep understanding of player identification and development throughout the region.
Before entering collegiate coaching, Raufus enjoyed tremendous success at the high school level. As head coach at La Crescent High School, he compiled a remarkable 121-23-5 record, led the program to five state tournament appearances, and earned Section 1A Coach of the Year honors. He was also named Mississippi Valley Conference Coach of the Year while coaching at La Crosse Logan High School.
Known for his ability to build relationships, develop players, and foster competitive team environments, Raufus brings expertise in recruiting, tactical analysis, training design, opponent scouting, and student-athlete mentoring. His coaching philosophy centers on maximizing each player's development while helping teams compete for championships and excel academically. His background across NCAA competition and elite club soccer provides valuable insight for prospective student-athletes seeking a collegiate experience focused on growth, achievement, and long-term success.
Raufus earned 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 from UW-La Crosse. He also holds the NSCAA National Diploma and NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.
