The year is 1995. Villanova is battling Providence, searching for an offensive spark. Enter Villanova’s sweeper, charging forward, netting two clutch goals. It’s an unconventional feat for the deepest player on the field, but not when that sweeper is Doug Nevins.
As a senior captain in 1995, Doug Nevins had already cemented himself as one of the most decorated players in Villanova men’s soccer history. Despite playing primarily as a defender, Nevins was the team's leading scorer that year, proving his ability to impact both ends of the field when his team needed him most.
That season was a culmination of years of hard work. Nevins arrived at Villanova in 1993 after transferring from Rutgers University and quickly establishing himself as a key contributor. In his first year at Villanova, Nevins received All-BIG EAST Second Team honors and notably contributed three assists in the BIG EAST semi-finals against Saint John’s University. By junior year, he set a school record for assists in a season (12), and that record that still stands today more than 30 years later. He was also recognized for his academic excellence, making the BIG EAST All-Academic All-Star Team three times, and earning Philadelphia Soccer Seven Academic Player of the Year twice.
While leading the Wildcats in scoring his senior year (1995), Nevins dominated in his traditional defensive role. This year, he was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year and is the only player in school history to earn the honor. His standout performance also earned him NSCAA First Team Regional All-American honors, an All-BIG EAST First Team selection, and the title of Villanova Male Athlete of the Year.
Following his collegiate career, Nevins played professionally for the Jersey Riptides, the Baltimore Bays, and the Philadelphia Freedom. He later transitioned into coaching, building an impressive career at West Orange High School in New Jersey, where he has accumulated nearly 400 victories with an 80% winning percentage. His teams secured seven conference titles, two county titles, seven state sectional titles, and two Group IV state championships. He also coached at PDA (Players Development Academy), for 13 years, one of the top-ranked soccer clubs in the country and founded the Doug Nevins Soccer Camp to train young athletes.
His legacy in the sport extends to his family with his daughter, Natalie Nevins, who followed in his footsteps, playing collegiate soccer at Saint Joseph’s University.
