The UIS Athletics Department would like to hear from former Prairie Stars men's soccer players about the impact that Coach Aydin Gonulsen made in your lives, as well as hearing from others who were touched in some way by Aydin. If you would like to share your story, please email it to dnewt2@uis.edu, and we will add it to this page.
UIS has established an Aydin Gonulsen Scholarship. If you would like to give to that fund, click here, and choose UIS Aydin Gonulsen Athletic Scholarship Fund under the Athletics Scholar Funds section.
Aydin impacted so many lives, myself included, with his positive influence that lead to a better life. Such a wonderful personality with a beautiful positive attitude, he could put a smile on everyone's face.
Aydin is the reason we have such a great soccer community and it was him who made it happen. He put Springfield and Sangamon State University on the soccer map nationally.
He enriched our community bringing in players from all over the country and internationally, many who stayed and put down roots here in Springfield and became youth soccer coaches. They improved our local players and led to Springfield producing great talent along with numerous high school and club championships over the years.
Aydin was always so optimistic and convincing that eventually he made everyone on the team believe that we indeed could win the National Championship.
We didn't always have the best players on the field compared to some of the top teams we played against, but Aydin knew what we needed talent wise and was such a great motivator that we could punch above our weight class.
It was such an honor and privilege to coach alongside Aydin for over 20 years and to call him my friend.
He is going to be greatly missed by many, but his legacy will always be seen on those soccer fields throughout Springfield and nearby towns.
- Joe Eck (UIS Assistant Coach 1979-2001, UIS Head Coach 2002-2009)
It really is difficult to put into words the impact that he had on so many lives. It is quite the legacy he will be leaving behind. I first met Aydin when I attended his soccer camps as a youth (Aydin Gonulsen Soccer Academy - AGSA). He was a local celebrity of sorts. All young soccer players looked up to this soccer giant. Every year he would go on the news and talk about his team, always making sure to say that they were the best team he’s ever had. I then had the honor of being recruited by him and played four years for him (at a 2-year university at the time). That was 95-98. I then had the pleasure of working his camps for several years during that period and after that.
No matter who you were or what country you came from, if you played for him, you were automatically included into this unbelievably select club. A FAMILY held together by the glue that is Aydin Gonulsen. He had an uncanny knack for bringing in players from all over the world and meshing them into some pretty dominant soccer teams.
Aydin had a huge personality. His smile would brighten a room, his accent would make everyone stop to listen. His Huge personality would make you believe whatever he was telling you. He was such a figurehead in the soccer community, not necessarily for his coaching ability, but for his marketing ability of his teams. I’ve always said he could make you believe anything he wanted. He could sell a Tank on a used car lot. The guy knew how to sell soccer to the community and he generated a huge following at SSU/UIS. There would be crowds over 1000 people at the games. It was unbelievable. Every year they would walk in the Illinois State Fair parade. People all along the route screaming his name and waving- yelling “Go Stars” and “Go get ‘em this year coach”! For a sport like soccer to have the recognition in Springfield like it did, it could only be attributed to Aydin Gonulsen’s ability to market his teams- Without a doubt!
One thing I would want people to know about Aydin is that he not only recruited you to play for his team but he recruited you to be part of his family. “All for One and One for All” was his motto and he lived it! I am so thankful for what he did for me and my teammates. A figurehead of the soccer community. A loss that can’t be measured, but will be felt all over the world. A light that will burn long after he is gone.
- Cory Formea (UIS Player 1995-1998)
One thing coach had was the ability to sell the program. Coach, why do we sign so many balls before our home games? Coach- Because the kids we give them to are our future players.
- George Jacaway (UIS Player 1996-1997)
Aydin was the single most influential person in my life. Getting an education in the US was out of reach for me. Aydin provided me with the opportunity to get an education while I was doing something I love, playing soccer. Because he was willing to take a chance on me, I have a B.A in Management and a M.S in Management Information Systems from UIS. While at UIS, I met my wife and we have three children. My oldest plays for UIS Men’s Soccer. I still live in Springfield, which I have called my home for 27 years now. His positive impact to my life has been immeasurable. I am forever grateful.
- Cuneyt Barutcu (UIS Player 1993-1995)
I met Aydin when I was around eight or nine years old going to the AGSA soccer camps. My mom was his banker, and he talked to her about taking me to his camp and I had just started playing soccer at the YMCA a year or so before that. He took me underneath his wings and helped me out every chance he could. From that day forward, until this week, he gave me a hug every single time I saw him like I was a son. He’s always been a father figure, friend, and will always be Coach to me. I would not be where I’m at today without Coach Gonulson. We all loved him and will miss him dearly.
- Jason Loftus (UIS Player 1995-1997, Assistant Coach 2001-present)
An icon has passed and an era is over along with his pain and suffering.
No doubt he is in Heaven today telling God how to run it.
- Jerry Donovan (Class of 1983)
I met Aydin in 1983 while the assistant soccer coach at Midwestern State University where we hosted that year's NAIA men's national championships. We played his Prairie Stars in the first round in group play. Periodically I would run into him at conventions and he was always such a personable individual and very gracious. Condolences to his family and God bless him.
- Dave Simeone
I was a teammate of Aydin's at Warren Wilson College. When Aydin arrived in the US, his English was not strong; and he struggled with his classwork, but he did it. His teammates would often watch in awe as he dribbled through opponents to score.
Aydin was a pretty good accordion player. He would often joke that he could play a piano if we turned it sideways.
We played an Irish attack (five forwards with Aydin as center). I played outside right. I often would watch in amazement as Aydin would dribble past 2-3 defenders and score from inside the penalty area. Pretty much all we had to do was get him the ball around the arc, and he would do the rest.
- Jim Dedman
Editor's Note- Jim sent along several newspaper clippings and photos from Aydin's playing career. They can be seen by clicking here
