Seattle Pacific University Athletics

A charter member of the Seattle Pacific soccer legacy, Ken Covell’s intelligence, speed and powerful shot were driving forces in the Falcons’ birth as an NCAA Division II regional and national power.

SPC had won just one soccer game when he arrived. But by the time he left, the Falcons had made four straight NCAA West Regional appearances and earned a berth in the national championship game during his senior season.

Covell’s junior year (1973) marked his individual peak, with single-season scoring marks of 21 goals and 50 points. However, his senior year saw Covell with his lowest scoring totals – and the team’s greatest success. The Falcons now had other weapons to rely upon, and Covell recorded eight assists in each of his last two seasons. At that time, eight assists was the Seattle Pacific season record.

Others have passed Covell’s scoring totals as SPU became a consistent national contender. Even so, Covell still ranks No. 5 in season goals, No. 4 in career goals, No. 4 in season points and No. 5 in career points. Seldom do a player’s accomplishments have such staying power when recorded in the formative years of a program that rises to long-term national success.

Covell went on to earn his master’s in computer science and continues to design and develop software in his hometown of Denver.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (1971-74)

• Established eight scoring records during career and remains No. 4 in career goals.

• Played on first four Falcon teams to reach NCAA Tournament, including 1974 national runners-up.

• All-Region and four-time All-Conference selection.