Every fall, the Ohio Northern University men’s soccer team sets their sights on a lofty goal: win a national championship.
“That’s our goal every season,” said Head Coach Chris Matejka, BA ’13. “Everyone believes in that, so it’s a matter of affirming that belief every single day.”
The Polar Bears came heartbreakingly close to the title during Matejka’s senior year as team captain. In 2012, they reached the NCAA Division III tournament final, finishing as runner-up after a hard-fought battle with Messiah College.
In the ensuring years, ONU has remained a national contender, reaching the Sweet 16 in 2022 and 2023, along with five other national tournament appearances.
But the pursuit for excellence doesn’t stop on the soccer field, it carries over into the classroom.
ONU’s rigorous academic programs attract student-athletes who are serious about working hard, said Matejka.
“The two go hand in hand here. That drive to be successful in college and career lends itself to the high level of competition we see on the field.”
The 2025 season is about more than wins and titles, however, it’s a celebration of the program’s 50th anniversary. To mark the milestone, the team is donning retro uniforms and kicked off the season with a 10-day international trip to Italy and Greece.
Global trip, cultural encounter
Every three years, the men’s soccer team embarks on an international trip. This August, the team traveled to Italy and Greece, playing three friendly matches against European opponents, and winning all three.
Describing it as a “big ONU soccer family trip,” Matejka noted that the players’ families joined the tour, along with ONU Athletic Director Tom Simmons, and ONU President Melissa J. Baumann.
The group visited iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican in Rome, and the Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens. They even took in a professional soccer game.
It’s always enlightening to play teams from a different culture and watch games in other countries, where the “possessions, style of play, and tactics differ,” said Matejka.
Beyond soccer, the trip creating lasting memories and deepened the bonds between players and families.
Prepared for the challenge ahead
Upon returning to the U.S., the Polar Bears—ranked among the top 25 nationally out of more than 400 Division III teams— jumped into a demanding season.
They opened with two away games in Virginia, including a match-up against a team that held the #1 national ranking all last season. The Polar Bears won the contest against Mary Washington (ranked #9 this season) by a score of 1-0.
“We like to test ourselves early and often,” said Matejka. “A difficult schedule keeps us playing at our best. We are only going to be good if we continue to work at it, and we will only be great if we extend ourselves and go above and beyond.”
While qualifying for the national tournament remains the benchmark for a “good season,” said Matejka, the team is also aiming to win the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) championship, to stay healthy, and to secure the College Team Academic Award from the United Soccer Coaches for what would be an impressive 18th consecutive year.
Ultimately, though, Matejka doesn’t measure success by wins or trophies.
For him, it’s about the program’s enduring legacy of brotherhood—and seeing his players leave ONU prepared to build meaningful lives.
“The real highlight each year is getting to see players graduate,” he said. “It’s pretty special to see them take those next steps and find success.”
