Stuart Collins returns for his seventh season on the sidelines. Collins has been instrumental in recruiting student-athletes from overseas and in particular in homeland of Ireland. Stuart from Cork in the Republic of Ireland helped bring current midfielder Daire O'Riordan to the program. O'Riordan is one of the best mid's in the region having been named First Team All-GLIAC and Third Team All-Region in 2019. He also has mentored Eoin Broughan and Matt Whelan, both Irish, who were First Team All-GLIAC in 2019. Whelan was also named Third Team All-Region alongside O'Riordan.
Collins serves as executive director of coaching for Michigan Fire Juniors. Stuart has played at a very high level, including for Davenport University and the Muskegon Risers soccer team. He has coached since 2004 with an impressive coaching profile: FAI (Football Association of Ireland) Soccer School (2006-2009), Kennedy Cup (ODP Equivalent) Selector and Evaluator (2008), Vardar West Staff Coach (2010-2012), Vardar West Technical Director (2012-2016), Vardar Grand Rapids Owner/Technical Director (2016-2018) and Michigan State ODP 03 Coach.
After playing four years as a starter for the Panthers, Collins remained with the team and helped his former teammates make an impressive run to the program's first NAIA National Championship in 2014. The Panthers compiled a program-best 22-3-1 record and won the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Tournament championship for the second straight season and third time in a five-year span.
A three-time All-WHAC selection and former team captain, Collins accumulated eight goals and 11 assists in 81 career games (78 starts). Collins also played the third-most minutes in school history (6,427).
