Brad Ruhaak
- School
- University of Akron
- Position
- Defender
- Major
- Mechanical Engineering
Classroom
A mechanical engineering major with a 3.651 GPA, Brad Ruhaak has mastered the delicate balance between a demanding major and becoming one of the leaders for the Akron men’s soccer program. A former walk-on who played a total of three games his first two seasons with the program, he has twice been named an Academic All-MAC honoree. Through September, he had started all six games this season and 50 of 54 contests during his career. He has helped guide an Akron defensive unit to 20 shutouts since the 2014 campaign, including four this fall.
Character
A two-time team captain for the University of Akron men’s soccer team, Ruhaak has risen from former walk-on to one of the most valuable players on the Zips’ roster. He has defined class and leadership in helping set the tone for sportsmanship and representing his school with class. “Brad is a exceptional student-athlete majoring in the highly competitive field of mechanical engineering, while maintaining the demanding rigor of the championship men’s soccer team,” said Akron Associate A.D. for Student-Athlete Academic Services Anne Jorgensen. “He is a caring individual with high regard for his teammates and fellow man. His character is stellar, and he has such a great future ahead of him in the direction of engineering or Major League Soccer.”
Community
Ruhaak has been an active participant in volunteer activities to better the lives of the people of Akron. He has volunteered his time with Team Impact, Alternative Spring Break (Pittsboro, N.C.), YMCA Healthy Kids Day, Adopt-a-Family fundraisers, the Akron Dance Marathon and Cascade Village. Additionally he is a pen pal with students at Akron Elementary Schools.
Competition
Through September 29, Ruhaak had started all six games this season and 50 of 54 contests during his career. He has helped guide an Akron defensive unit to 20 shutouts since 2014, including four this fall. So far, he owns a goal and assist this season on six shots, and he recorded the game-winning goal in the 90th minute in a 1-0 victory past No. 7 Georgetown (Aug. 26). For his career, Ruhaak has garnered four goals and one assist on the strength of 34 shots and has helped lead the Zips to the NCAA Tournament in each of his three season, including advancing the the College Cup in 2015.
