Legendary Lacrosse Coach Roy Skinner Bids Final Farewell to the World at 90

Roy Skinner, a revered and cherished figure in the sports world, and the former head coach of Duke University’s men’s soccer and men’s lacrosse teams passed away on Tuesday, August 22, at the age of 90.

Skinner’s remarkable journey with Duke Athletics commenced in 1959 when he embarked as an assistant coach for the Blue Devils men’s soccer program. Over the years, his dedication and expertise propelled him to the position of head coach in 1966. Spanning 11 seasons (1966-76), Skinner’s astute guidance led Duke’s men’s soccer team to a commendable 71-45-5 record. A pivotal milestone was reached in 1972 when he steered the team to its inaugural appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Lacrosse coach says goodbye at the age of 90

The year 1967 saw Skinner’s influence extend to men’s lacrosse as he teamed up with Bruce Corrie, together forming a coaching partnership that etched a lasting legacy from 1967 to 1970. This alliance underscored Skinner’s versatile coaching prowess and his commitment to elevating the lacrosse team’s journey.

Beyond his contributions to soccer and lacrosse, Skinner’s dedication to Duke’s athletic community shone through his role as Duke’s assistant wrestling coach from 1959 to 1962. This further underscored his devotion to nurturing excellence across diverse athletic domains.

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Skinner’s own collegiate odyssey as a student-athlete at the University of Maryland was punctuated by significant achievements. Mastering both soccer and lacrosse, he garnered an impressive tally of eight varsity letters. Skinner’s leadership proved pivotal in guiding the Terrapins to a notable seven conference championships.

A commendable Carrier

Honoured as an All-American in both soccer and lacrosse, Skinner’s prowess garnered well-deserved recognition. He secured second-team honours for soccer in 1957 and earned third-team acclaim for his contributions to lacrosse in 1958. The zenith of his college journey arrived with the prestigious USILA national title in lacrosse in 1956.

Upon completing his academic pursuits at Maryland in 1958, Skinner’s enduring impact on the sports realm solidified with his induction into the revered Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. This honour reverberated his lasting legacy and the profound respect he commanded within the sports community.

As the Duke community and the wider sports fraternity grapple with the loss of Roy Skinner, his indelible contributions stand as a testament. It proves his unwavering dedication and significant influence across various facets of athletics.

His legacy perpetually inspires and shapes generations to come. This leaves an irreplaceable void that resonates deeply with those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with his remarkable journey.

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