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Finn Jurak has been hired as a Longwood men’s soccer assistant coach, head coach Paul Gilbert announced on Thursday. 

Jurak, who will mentor the Lancers’ goalkeepers, comes to Farmville following a four-year career from 2020-23 at Oakland. He helped the Golden Grizzlies to the 2021 Horizon League championship and an NCAA tournament berth. 

In 33 starts at Oakland, the Canberra, Australia native went 18-11-3 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .692 save percentage with eight shutouts.  

“I am so excited to welcome Finn Jurak to the Longwood University men’s soccer staff,” said Gilbert. “Finn is coming off an impressive career at Oakland University where he trained under [former head coach] Eric Pogue. Throughout our search for a goalkeeper coach, I was very impressed with Finn’s positive energy and excitement about moving into a coaching role and sharing his experiences to help develop our goalkeepers here at Longwood.

“I believe that Finn’s vibrant personality and appetite for growth will be a perfect fit amongst our staff and an asset to our program. Please join me in welcoming Finn to Longwood!”

Jurak was twice named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week in 2023, finishing second in the conference in goals-against average (1.22) and tied for second with four clean sheets.

“Cannot wait to get to Longwood,” said Jurak. “Super keen to get started and meet the lads and coaching staff. Exciting things to come!”

Jurak is a 2024 graduate of Oakland with a degree in integrative studies.

Longwood opens the 2024 season – its first under Gilbert and staff – Aug. 10 at Virginia in exhibition action. The regular season begins Aug. 22 at East Tennessee State at 8:30 p.m.