Kevin Robson: A Championship Mindset Takes Root at Loyola

When Kevin Robson was introduced as Loyola’s new men’s soccer head coach, he arrived with a championship background and a clear plan for how he wanted the program to move forward.

A former Indiana University (IU) soccer player and two-time national champion, Robson spent the last 12 years with the Hoosiers’ coaching staff. He worked multiple different roles within the Indiana men’s soccer program, including associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. 

During his time in Bloomington, Ind., Robson was a part of squads which posted a 169-46-47 record, reached the NCAA College Cup four times and captured nine Big Ten Championships. 

His background is what Robson said prepared him for the head coach position at Loyola.

“That experience was second to none,” Robson said. “I coached club soccer in Colorado, coached younger kids, started my own program. And then at IU I held every position. It gave me a real view of how to run a program. That really prepared me for this role.”

His first weeks in Chicago haven’t been about proving he can win at Loyola, but about building a standard which he believes is the foundation of winning.

“I really wanted to talk to [the team] about their aspirations,” Robson said, describing his first conversations with the team. “Who they are as people matters just as much as what they can do on the field.”

Robson said the most important lesson he has learned is consistency. He explained that success isn’t built on a single season or a single roster, it’s built on a constant work ethic.

Every matchup carries weight in college soccer, and Robson expects his team to approach each game with that mindset. He said every contest requires the same level of preparation because each one affects factors like national rankings, strength of schedule and postseason goals, and that the team has to adjust on a daily basis. 

The standard is already visible in how Robson has approached the team since arriving. Second-year midfielder Luka Ivancic said Robson is direct, intentional and clear about what he expects.

“He was very on top of us right away,” Ivancic said. “How we hold ourselves, how we treat the locker room, the little things. He made it clear that all of it matters.”

Robson wants the program to not just be built on talent, but on a cohesive style of play. He said he wants the Ramblers to develop a clear identity as a team that plays with purpose and togetherness.

“When I watch a game, I want to see a guy competing, trying to win and making others better,” Robson said. “We want guys who want to be at the university, who enjoy Chicago and enjoy playing for the city and the school. That is going to create a winning team sooner than later.”

Robson’s approach is already resonating with the players. Third-year forward Petar Jancic explained that the team is confident in the steps he’s taking.

“He is very intentional,” Jancic said. “It is helping push players to lead with a constant positive mindset.”

Robson explained improving small details is what helps create an environment where athletes can grow on and off the field, noting much of the growth begins with preparation. He added prioritizing talking with coaches, professors and guidance counselors is an important part of helping student-athletes put themselves in a position to succeed.

For Robson, the goal isn’t just winning, but also growing young men to be better players and people. He said he wants his players to be well rounded, enjoy their experience and compete hard, while also building a team which plays for one another and has a clear identity.

“I want them to be holistic, enjoy their experience and compete hard, ” Robson said. “We want people to see a team that plays for each other and have a true identity.”

As Robson prepares for his first full season, he said his focus remains on building a program that leaves everything on the field. For him, success isn’t only measured by wins, but by the standard the team establishes.

“If people leave our games saying we played hard and fought together, that’s a win,” Robson said. “I think if we do that, the results will come.”