Center Forward/Midfielder
Soccer America All-American Team, 1977
Pacific Soccer All-Conference First Team, 1978
Led Team in Total Points, 1976
USF Career Years: 1975-1978
Birthdate: November 24, 1953
Hometown: Monrovia, Liberia
Anthony “Tony” Gray was born on November 24, 1953 in Monrovia, Liberia. He attended Saint Patrick’s High School in Monrovia, and played soccer for them under Coach Borbor Gaye. He attended USF, played soccer for the Dons from 1975 to 1979, and graduated as a Business Major in 1979.
In his first year with the Dons, soft-spoken Gray played in 23 games, scoring 9 goals. He was the leading freshman scorer and ranked 6th in total points. Throughout the year, he displayed the speed and the power to become one of the best players at the midfield position. Solidly built, Gray proved to be a steady performer, strong in all facets of the game, and excellent in the air. He had an outstanding season as a center forward in his sophomore year, leading the squad in total points with 12 goals and 10 assists. In 1976, he was named All-Far West Honorable Mention. Coach Negoesco credited him as one of the main reasons for the team’s championship successes in 1975 and 1976.
In his junior year, Gray became more of a passer, and mid-season moved to midfield. Relishing his new position, Gray easily assumed the responsibilities of running the team’s offense. After two games against UCLA and Cal, Gray was named National Soccer Player of the Week by Soccer America. For the third consecutive year as a Don, he ranked in the top 10 in overall points with 7 goals and 3 assists. Gray was named to Soccer America’s All-American team, and he made Second Team All-League in the 1977 Pacific Soccer Conference. Gray continued his standout play for the Dons in his senior year, scoring 6 goals and 2 assists, on the way to the third NCAA Finals. Gray was a Pacific All-Conference First Team selection. In recognition of his hard work and outstanding play, Gray received the Gus Donoghue Award, the highest honor USF bestows on a soccer player.
A business major, Gray was appointed Assistant Soccer Coach following his senior year. In 1979, he returned to Liberia where he captained the national team, Invincible Eleven Monrovia. Anthony Gray has since returned to the United States.
Photo courtesy of Rodney Lee, Class of 1980.
