Hall of Fame Focus: Jim Tursi

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Each day until the Willamette University Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony is held on Saturday, Oct. 24 a member of the induction Class of 2009 will be highlighted in the Hall of Fame Focus. A total of six former Willamette University student-athletes, plus two former coaches and two teams will be inducted this year.

The induction ceremony will be held at the Salem Conference Center/Phoenix Grand Hotel. A reception is set for 5:30 p.m. (PDT) with the induction dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m.

Jim Tursi
Womens Soccer
1993 through 2007 (15 seasons)

Jim Tursi was the head coach of the Willamette womens soccer team for 15 seasons from 1993 through 2007. He led the Bearcats to 10 playoff berths and to nine NWC championships.

His team reached the NAIA National Tournament in 1996 and the NCAA Division III Elite Eight in 1998, 2000 and 2001. The 1998 and 2001 teams both reached the Final Four.

Tursi coached the Bearcats to 14 winning records, including 11 teams with 15 or more wins. Nine of his teams lost three or fewer games.

His record at Willamette was 237-53-23 (.794), including 151-27-15 (.821) in conference play. His career record, including three seasons at the University of Portland, was 273-67-27 (.866).

Tursi was named Conference Coach of the Year at Willamette in 1993, 1994 and 1997, and was the Conference Coach of the Year twice at Portland. Tursi also coached high school boys soccer coach at Parkrose High School and Gresham High School (1989-94). He was the founder of the Gresham Football Club and is still the owner of Tursis Soccer Supply in the Portland area.