Photo by: Connor Garrison
MAF Introduces Men’s Soccer Enhancement Fund
9/12/2023 4:43:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Fund established by former players Will Betts, Richie Edmondson
MACON – The Mercer Athletic Foundation is proud to announce the creation of the Men's Soccer Enhancement Fund, an endowment enhancing the men's soccer operating budget. The fund was established by two former men's soccer players, Will Betts and Richie Edmondson.
"Creating the Men's Soccer Enhancement Fund is a big deal for the long term growth of the men's soccer program," said Deputy Athletics Director and Director of the Mercer Athletic Foundation Brian Gerrity. "Will Betts and Richie Edmondson have established something that will be a huge asset for Coach Ruzzo, and help to ensure the men's soccer program remains a powerhouse in the Southern Conference."
Betts (BBA '13) was a hard-working midfielder for the Bears and was known for his defensive work and control of the midfield. Prior to his freshman campaign, Betts was listed as one of the top "100 Freshmen to Keep an Eye On" and, by his junior year, was the 2011 Atlantic Sun Conference Men's Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
"The men's soccer program at Mercer has had a major impact on my life," Betts said when asked about his efforts in establishing the fund. "I am honored that I can be able to invest back into the program."
A two-time all-conference pick, Edmondson (CLAS '2013, M.Ed '2015) was an explosive striker for the Bears and finished his career with seven career goals while also being named to the 2009 Atlantic Sun Championship All-Tournament Team.
"Coach Ruzzo and the soccer program at Mercer helped me become the person I am today in many ways," Edmondson said of the impact the program made on him. "I am hoping to be able to help other players get the experience I got when I was on the team."
The Mercer men's soccer team has been a strong competitor in both the A-Sun and the Southern Conference for many years. It has captured six regular season championships, five conference tournament titles and has appeared in four NCAA Tournaments.
"I take a lot of pride in developing my players into not only elite athletes, but good people as well." Ruzzo said. "I think that what Will Betts and Richie Edmondson have done by establishing this endowment will solidify their legacy at Mercer and impact the team in a positive way forever."
Lead gifts to establish the fund were given by both Betts and Edmondson, but donations by other men's soccer alumni and friends are needed to fully fund the endowment. To make a gift in support of the Men's Soccer Enhancement Fund, or to sign up for monthly support, please contact Brian Gerrity at 478-301-4003 or email maf@mercer.edu.
"Creating the Men's Soccer Enhancement Fund is a big deal for the long term growth of the men's soccer program," said Deputy Athletics Director and Director of the Mercer Athletic Foundation Brian Gerrity. "Will Betts and Richie Edmondson have established something that will be a huge asset for Coach Ruzzo, and help to ensure the men's soccer program remains a powerhouse in the Southern Conference."
Betts (BBA '13) was a hard-working midfielder for the Bears and was known for his defensive work and control of the midfield. Prior to his freshman campaign, Betts was listed as one of the top "100 Freshmen to Keep an Eye On" and, by his junior year, was the 2011 Atlantic Sun Conference Men's Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
"The men's soccer program at Mercer has had a major impact on my life," Betts said when asked about his efforts in establishing the fund. "I am honored that I can be able to invest back into the program."
A two-time all-conference pick, Edmondson (CLAS '2013, M.Ed '2015) was an explosive striker for the Bears and finished his career with seven career goals while also being named to the 2009 Atlantic Sun Championship All-Tournament Team.
"Coach Ruzzo and the soccer program at Mercer helped me become the person I am today in many ways," Edmondson said of the impact the program made on him. "I am hoping to be able to help other players get the experience I got when I was on the team."
The Mercer men's soccer team has been a strong competitor in both the A-Sun and the Southern Conference for many years. It has captured six regular season championships, five conference tournament titles and has appeared in four NCAA Tournaments.
"I take a lot of pride in developing my players into not only elite athletes, but good people as well." Ruzzo said. "I think that what Will Betts and Richie Edmondson have done by establishing this endowment will solidify their legacy at Mercer and impact the team in a positive way forever."
Lead gifts to establish the fund were given by both Betts and Edmondson, but donations by other men's soccer alumni and friends are needed to fully fund the endowment. To make a gift in support of the Men's Soccer Enhancement Fund, or to sign up for monthly support, please contact Brian Gerrity at 478-301-4003 or email maf@mercer.edu.
| STAY CONNECTED |
| Follow Mercer Soccer on Twitter and Instagram and "Like" Mercer Soccer on Facebook. |
| SUPPORT THE BEARS |
| Fans can help support the Mercer athletics department by making a gift to the Mercer Athletic Foundation. To find out more information about the Mercer Athletic Foundation, visit SupportMAF.com or email maf@mercer.edu. |
Mercer 52 | Furman 28 Post Game Press Conference 11.01.25
Sunday, November 02
Mercer v Furman VB Highlight Reel: 11/1/2025
Sunday, November 02
Men’s Basketball Preview | Head Coach Ryan Ridder
Monday, October 27
Women’s Basketball Preview | Head Coach Michelle Clark-Heard
Monday, October 27
