Eastern Illinois University mourns the loss of former Panther men's soccer head coach Ronnie Bouemboue, who passed away on Tuesday.
 
Bouemboue served as the Panthers head coach from 2020-21 coaching the Panthers during the 2020-21 spring COVID-19 season and the fall of 2021 campaign. 
 
He was working as an assistant coach with the Northwestern University men's soccer program when he passed away.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Ronnie Bouemboue," Northwestern head men's soccer coach Russell Payne said. "Ronnie touched countless lives through his infectious enthusiasm, genuine kindness, and unwavering positivity. He was deeply respected and loved by everyone fortunate enough to know him. Our hearts are heavy, and we will miss him dearly. Our prayers go out to Morgan and his family."

Bouemboue joined the Wildcats' men's soccer program prior to the start of the 2024 season. During his time in Evanston, he was part of a coaching staff that led the 'Cats to back-to-back winning seasons, while also aiding in the development of four All-Big Ten Conference selections and a pair of United Soccer Coaches All-Region honorees.

Prior to his time at Northwestern, Bouemboue served as head men's soccer coach at Eastern Illinois (2020-21), in addition to stints as an assistant coach at Northern Illinois (2022-23), IU Indy (2016-19), North Carolina State (2015-16), and Bradley (2013-14).

As a student-athlete at North Carolina State, Bouemboue was a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honoree. The only three-time ACC All-Tournament Team pick in program history, he ranks in the top 15 on the program's career leaderboard in overall points and assists. A 2009 finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, Bouemboue helped lead the Wolfpack to a pair of berths in the NCAA Tournament during his playing career.