July 8, 2015

VIDEO: DuBose Gives Back | Photo Gallery

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - Former UCF men's soccer star Winston DuBose (1973-76) is so grateful for his experience as a UCF student-athlete he has decided to give back to the program. A $100,000 gift commitment from DuBose will create an endowed scholarship and fund the construction and renovation of an improved locker room for the Knights.

DuBose is a three-time All-America performer (1974-76) and the first All-America student-athlete in school history.

The Winston and Gwynne DuBose -- Jim Rudy Men's Soccer Scholarship has been created for a member of the program that is obtaining a degree in UCF's College of Business Administration. In addition, the men's soccer team's locker room will be named the Winston DuBose -- Jim Rudy Men's Soccer Locker Room upon completion of its renovation.

 

"In gratitude to God for the education I received and the soccer environment that has been created at UCF, my sister and I wanted to provide other student-athletes with that same opportunity," DuBose said. "That opportunity is to earn a college degree and play the sport they love at the highest level that otherwise might not be a possibility for them."

"The scholarship was created because I firmly believe that God placed me at UCF for the following reasons," DuBose continued. "One was to get an education and graduate from a first-class university. Secondly, we had a very energetic and enthusiastic coach, Jim Rudy, that scheduled some of the best teams in the country to play against. That was important because it enabled us all to showcase our abilities and talents to professional scouts and coaches across the nation."

Rudy, who started both soccer programs at UCF, guided the men's squad from 1975-1988 and led the women's team from 1981-1987. He totaled a combined 201-85-23 mark while leading the Knights.

DuBose feels so strongly about Coach Rudy that he wanted to honor him by placing his name on the locker room as well. The funds earmarked for the locker room enable the second phase of the project to be completed. The space will include new custom-made lockers, technology enhancements and branding elements.

"Coach Rudy challenged us on a daily basis to better ourselves as individuals and as a team," DuBose said. "He led the program during an embryonic and pivotal time which began establishing a strong soccer tradition at UCF."

In addition to his All-America accolades, DuBose still holds the all-time school record for goals-against average (0.91) and shutouts (25). The goalkeeper had a long professional career, primarily with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, that spanned 15 seasons. He was also a member of the U.S. Men's National Team, with an international career that included 14 caps.

"When I first got here, Winston was one of the first people I called," UCF head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "He loves UCF and loved his time here. I talked to a lot of alums that said he was a key component in the 70's playing for coach Rudy, who is one of his good friends. Ever since then, he has kind of spearheaded some of fundraising for us, and now he is really coming through big time."

View the gallery below as head coach Bryan Cunningham walked DuBose through the improvements that are set to be made before the team reports on Aug. 11.

DuBose Gift for Locker Room - (7/7/15) - Images by UCF Knights

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Story written by Nate Blythe and Andy Seeley. Video produced by Chip Fontanaza.