Keith Savage grew up the son of a soccer coach in the shadow of the UWF campus in nearby Gulf Breeze. When the time came to play at the next level, it only made sense that he continue his career under the watchful eye of UWF coach Bill Elliott, who at the time was in his eighth season in Pensacola, building one of the premier programs in the country.
Keith Savage
Savage stepped right in and put his mark on the program, scoring 12 goals as a rookie while being named Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year in 2003. It seemed only Hurricane Ivan could slow him down when the fall sports seasons were canceled just a few games in when the storm occurred.
He came right back in 2005 and picked up where he left off, producing 10 goals and seven assists , earning NSCAA All-South Region and GSC First Team All-Conference accolades.
The 2006 season will always go down as one of the most memorable for both Savage and the program. The forward earned First Team NSCAA All-America recognition after finishing the season with 11 goals, six assists and a pair of game winners. He led the Argos to their second GSC title during his time on campus and a berth in the 2006 NCAA Division II National Semifinals – which were hosted at Brosnaham Sports Complex that year – before finishing with a school-record 20-1-3 ledger.
His final season produced yet another league crown and spot in the NCAA Tournament, along with his third All-South Region and All-GSC moniker. You can still find Keith’s name in the UWF record book in eight places, highlighted by his top-three rankings in goals (47), first in assists (25) and points (119).
The two-time Academic All-GSC performer embarked on a professional career that has seen him continue playing soccer, while also coaching both club and high school programs. Savage will open his ninth professional season this year and the seventh with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He was also named to the GSC All-Decade Team for the 2000s.
He and his wife Dawnyele have a 2-year-old son named Bruce.
What was your most memorable moment as a UWF student-athlete?
“Winning the GSC title three times and playing in the NCAA D2 Final Four the year we hosted the tournament in Pensacola.”
“I would not be where I am today without the help of so many people at UWF. Bill Elliot believed in me as a player and taught me how to act on and off the field. After playing for several professional coaches, coach Elliot has not only had the greatest impact on me, he has shown me that he is one of the best coaches this country has to offer.
“The Physical Education Department was also amazing. Dr. Todorovich and his staff prepared me during my time at school, and continue to keep in touch with me to help further my education and career eight years later. That is not normal in this world!
“And lastly I was so blessed to have the teammates I had during the time I played at UWF. We all still remain close friends because of what we went through on the field together. I was never the best player on the field with the incredible talent we had, and it’s only because of them that I even had the opportunity to get my foot in the door to play at the next level. I will forever be thankful for my time at West Florida, and to the teachers, coaches, and all my teammates. Thank you!!”
“Attending UWF prepared me for life after college. Not only with soccer, but my degree has given me the ability to continue on with my passion of working with younger student-athletes in either a teaching or coaching role.”
