The No. 1 Soccer Camps family is deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Barry, a longtime member of our staff, coach, mentor, director, and, most importantly, friend.
Bob passed away Saturday morning following a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife, Beth, his son John, family, friends, countless players and coaches, and a soccer community that was fortunate to know him.
Dr. Joe Machnik, founder of No. 1 Soccer Camps, shared:
“We have lost a great coach and friend! Bob Barry, Coach at ‘Iolani HS in Hawaii and longtime No. 1 Soccer Camps Staff Coach and Director passed away Saturday morning, September 10th, 2026, after a brief illness! He was a true friend and a great coach! Our thoughts are with his son John, wife Beth and extended family and friends.”
Bob brought a ray of sunshine to everyone he met. He was a great coach, but an even better person. His infectious love for the game, his positive spirit, his generosity, and his genuine respect for others made him someone who was special to so many.
A Life Dedicated to Coaching and Teaching
Bob began his coaching career as the boys’ soccer head coach at ‘Iolani School in Hawaii. He went on to serve as an assistant coach with the men’s soccer program at the University of Massachusetts while earning his master’s degree in sports management.
His coaching career later took him to the University of Richmond, BYU–Hawaii, and Willamette University before returning to ‘Iolani, where he continued to make an enormous impact on generations of young players.
Bob’s education and commitment to learning reflected the same passion he brought to coaching. He earned his bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Hawaii and his master’s degree in French from Middlebury College.
He also earned an advanced national diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, held the United States Soccer Federation National “A” License, and earned Football Association coaching and goalkeeper coaching licenses in England.
But while Bob’s coaching credentials were impressive, they only tell part of his story.
Those who worked with him knew that his greatest gift was the way he connected with people.
A Coach Who Made People Feel Special
Bob had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and respected. He could teach the game at a very high level while never losing sight of the person standing in front of him.
His friends and colleagues have shared some wonderful memories of Bob:
John Kowalski, US National Team Coach, US 5-a-side National Team Coach, MLS Head Coach, and college coach, described Bob as a great friend, coach, and teacher who was dedicated, committed, and fun to work with. ‘He recognized Bobs many contributions to soccer, goalkeeping, and education, as well as the passion he brought to his teaching.
Frans Hoek, international professional coach and former national team and
professional club coach, simply captured the warmth that so many people associated with Bob:
“Great wonderful, pleasant guy and wonderful to work with. RIP Bob thanks for all.”
Dan Gaspar, international professional coach, MLS coach, and college coach,
remembered Bob as a first-class coach and an even better person. Having worked alongside Bob at No. 1 Soccer Camps, Dan saw firsthand his knowledge, kindness, humility, and genuine love for the game.
“A true gentleman who positively impacted everyone around him.”
Dan went on to say something that perhaps captures Bob’s legacy best:
“The soccer world and the world itself needs more Bob Barrys.”
Tim Carter, US Soccer Federation coach, MLS Academy Director, college coach, coach educator, remembered Bob as a great friend and one of the most positive people he had ever known. Their friendship began years ago when they were the only two candidates from the United States attending an EFA coaching school. Bob later spent a year at Shattuck-St. Mary’s as a goalkeeper coach.
Tim remembered him as an outstanding coach and person who had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel special.
“Going to miss you Bob.”
Rainer Kuhn, college soccer, successful businessman, and longtime No. 1 Soccer Camps colleague, remembered Bob as a “fun, energetic, generous, kind, caring and beautiful soul” and a gifted teacher of both soccer and life.
He recalled the No. 1 Camps staff chanting:
“Go Bob Go!”
during drill demonstrations.
And, fittingly, Rainer added: “Your spirit is in all you touched.”
A Lasting Part of the No. 1 Soccer Camps Family
For so many coaches who came through No. 1 Soccer Camps, Bob was much more than a colleague. He was a mentor, a teacher, a teammate, and a friend.
He shared his knowledge generously with young coaches and encouraged them to become better teachers of the game. He understood that coaching was about much more than tactics, technique, or winning. It was about relationships, trust, confidence, and helping young people grow.
That philosophy made Bob such a natural fit for No. 1 Soccer Camps.
For decades, he brought his experience, energy, humor, and passion to our camps. He worked alongside some of the best coaches in the game and earned the respect of all of them—not simply because of his knowledge, but because of who he was.
He was genuine. He was humble. He cared.
And he had a way of making every person around him feel that their contribution mattered.
A Personal Reflection
Greg Andrulis– Professional Coach, College Coach, Longtime No.1 Staff
Bob was a longtime coach, mentor, and friend to many of us. He touched countless lives, and I was fortunate to be one of those people.
Bob brought a ray of sunshine to everyone he met.
He was a great coach, but an even better person. His legacy will live on through the players he coached at ‘Iolani High School, the many young coaches he mentored, and the countless people he encountered throughout his career.
Bob had an infectious love for the game and a genuine respect for everyone around him. He never needed to be the loudest person in the room. His character, kindness, and passion spoke for themselves.
Thank you, Bob, for being such a great guy and for making a difference in so many lives.
And thank you to Dr. Joe Machnik for bringing Bob into so many lives through No. 1 Soccer Camps. So many of us are better coaches—and better people—because we had the opportunity to know him.
Bob’s impact will continue through the players he coached, the coaches he mentored, the friendships he built, and the many people who carry a little bit of his spirit with them.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Beth, John, their family, and all of Bob’s friends and colleagues.
From all of us at the No.1 Soccer Family:
Thank you, Bob. For your friendship. For your passion. For your generosity.
For your love of the game.
You will be deeply missed, Coach.
Go Bob Go.
Blue 16 Media