The Ashland University men’s soccer program is grieving the loss of former goalkeeper Toby Forsythe, who died recently. The news was shared by the Ashland Eagles men’s soccer team on its Facebook and Instagram pages, where coaches, teammates, and fans have been leaving messages of support for his family.
Forsythe, a native of Gahanna, Ohio, played goalkeeper for Ashland from 2023 through 2025. He was a graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School in Columbus before joining the Eagles program.
Standing 6 feet 1 and weighing 175 pounds, he wore No. 32 for Ashland and appeared on the roster as both a freshman and sophomore during his time with the team, according to the university’s official athletics site.
After his time at Ashland, Forsythe transferred to Shawnee State University, where he went on to earn a starting role in goal. That move marked a new chapter in his soccer career, one that friends and former coaches say reflected his growth as a player and a person since his days with the Eagles.
Team and Community Remember a Beloved Teammate
In its post announcing his passing, the Ashland men’s soccer program described Forsythe as a popular, talented, and well-loved member of the team. The tribute noted the sadness felt across the program at the news and extended thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during what it called a terribly difficult time.
The announcement drew a wave of reaction online. Fans, former teammates, and members of the soccer community left messages of condolence beneath the post, with many using hearts and prayer emojis to express their grief.
Comments came in from accounts connected to Ohio soccer circles as well as personal friends, showing how far Forsythe’s connections in the sport reached beyond just his own campus.
Though details surrounding the circumstances of his death have not been made public, the outpouring of support across social media reflects how deeply he was regarded by those who knew him, both at Ashland and at Shawnee State. Teammates and coaches from both programs are expected to continue honoring his memory in the days ahead.
Forsythe’s path from a standout goalkeeper at Gahanna Lincoln to a Division II athlete who suited up for two different programs speaks to his dedication to the sport.
His time at Ashland, though it did not always include heavy playing time based on available statistics, was clearly valued by those inside the program, as shown by the tone of Wednesday’s tribute.
As the Ashland University community continues to process the loss, further details about services or ways to honor his memory may be shared by the university or his family in the coming days. For now, the soccer community he was part of, from Gahanna to Ashland to Shawnee State, is coming together to remember a young man described simply as loved.
