Ken Lolla
Ken Lolla focuses on paying forward the blessings he's experienced in his life.
He is a published author and professional speaker, both of which emphasize the importance of putting others first. He believes that our gifts are best utilized when we are truly in service to others.
His passion for team & leadership building have enabled him to help athletic departments and businesses across the country. When Ken's not promoting positive environments and culture, he spends his time in Louisville, KY with his wife Tina and their three children.
Recipe for Success
Ken’s success is based on the timeless principles and character-based leadership skills that he strives to represent in his daily life. Passing these principles on to inspire change, motivate growth, and encourage personal development in the lives of others has been the trademark of his career for over 25 years.
A National Powerhouse
When it comes to building a soccer program into a national powerhouse, as University of Louisville Head Coach, Ken developed a reputation as a leader in the soccer world. In 2006, Coach Lolla inherited the U of L program’s 5-11-2 record. The team had never even been to an NCAA tournament.
Ken guided the University of Louisville men’s soccer program to three consecutive Elite 8 appearances, an NCAA College Cup Final, and a number-one national ranking. A two-time National Coach of the Year, Ken Lolla and his staff had sixteen players drafted to Major League Soccer (MLS) in six seasons, the most of any program in the country. As a result of Ken’s leadership, the Cardinals produced the number-one MLS draft pick and the MLS Rookie of the Year.
Ken’s Roots & Accolades
Ken had much of the same results in his thirteen seasons at Akron, where he guided the Zips to a number-one national ranking, won eight conference championships, and made five straight NCAA tournament appearances. Ken is the all-time winning-est coach in the program’s history and was inducted into the Akron Hall of Fame.
Ken began his coaching career at Belmont Abbey College in 1989. In just three seasons, he was named the NAIA National Coach of the Year. Ken has served as the under-fifteen National Team Coach and has coached over 30 players who went on to play professionally. As a player at Duke University, Ken was the team captain and a two-time All-American. Ken went on to play professionally for several teams, spending most of his career with the Canton Invaders, where he met his wife Tina. He holds a bachelor’s in biology from Duke University.
ACC “Game Changer” Award
The University of Louisville men’s soccer team was recognized as Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) “Game Changers.” The Game Changers initiative recognizes ACC teams' involvement with their local communities.
The U of L men’s soccer program teamed up with the special-needs community to celebrate life. The team hosted an annual special-needs soccer clinic called “Kickin' it with JT & Friends,” a community event focused on creating an unforgettable experience for its participants. The clinic has grown over the years, and operates at capacity with 50 participants and over 100 volunteers.