Grambling State soccer gets return to coaching from Justin Wagar

One of the most successful coaches in Grambling State history is returning to the country’s most recognizable HBCU with more success on his mind.

The return of Justin Wagar, who elevated the GSU women’s soccer team into a SWAC power, was announced recently by athletics director Trayvean Scott.

“Justin is a tremendous soccer coach, and his record speaks for itself,” Scott said in a school release. “I know he will come in hitting the ground running and continue the success of our women’s soccer program.” 

Wager coached the Tigers from 2007-20 but took a year off to move his family to Utah due to a personal health issue with his daughter, Beckham. 

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“When Grambling State called to ask if I had interest in getting back into college coaching, I was intrigued to hear what they had to say because I love the institution and the people there,” Wagar said. “In my three-and-a-half years of coaching at Grambling State, we built so many friendships in the community. I had so many wonderful role models and mentors at the university. 

“Grambling State is truly a unique place; it’s what you make of it here.” 

The Lady Tigers were 35-26-3 overall under Wagar, who directed back-to-back SWAC women’s soccer tournament championship game appearances in 2017 and 2018. He was honored as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year in 2017 after guiding GSU to an 11-7-2 overall record (6-2-1 SWAC record) and regular-season SWAC championship. 

Wagar guided the Lady Tigers to their fourth-highest ranking in the nation by the Coach Rank Soccer Index. In addition, the 2018 team also finished 10th in NCAA Division I with 13 shutouts. Wagar coached conference defender of the year Haileigh Adams, who was invited to the United States Women’s National Team Under-19 camp. 

Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.