Brentwood mourns loss of Hall of Fame soccer coach Ron Eden

Ron Eden, the longtime Brentwood High School varsity boys soccer coach who built one of New York’s premier high school programs, has died, according to the Brentwood Union Free School District.

Eden spent decades as a fixture in Brentwood soccer, first as an assistant for 16 years before getting the head coaching job in 1995.

He was inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

In announcing his passing, the Brentwood Union Free School District remembered Eden as “more than a coach.”

“For many years, Coach Eden dedicated himself to the Brentwood community, leaving a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes, colleagues, and families,” the district said in a statement. “Through his passion for the game, unwavering commitment to his players, and devotion to Brentwood, he built a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.”

After the announcement, tributes poured in on Facebook and Instagram.

Former Brentwood player John Petersen credited Eden and previous longtime coach Ray Perez with having a profound influence on his life.

“They turned boys into men,” Petersen wrote. “Coach Eden’s dedication and commitment to his craft and the community is legendary status.”

Peter Schmitz, who worked with Eden as a coach, also remembered his influence.

“The 7 years I worked with you were immeasurable in my growth as a coach,” Schmitz wrote. “Your work rate and dedication go unmatched and all of these young men benefited from it for countless years.”

On the field, Eden’s Brentwood teams became a defining presence in Long Island high school soccer including four state championships.

In a post on social media, Brentwood said that “his legacy will forever remain a part of the Brentwood family.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Photo: Ron Eden (center) in an undated photo posted to his Suffolk Sports HOF induction page. (Credit: Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame)

From the Suffolk HOF