SID
Women’s soccer head coach Bobby Johnston announced his resignation from the University of Tampa this week. Johnston has accepted a position at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., his alma mater. Johnston played for JMU in his time there.
Johnston, the 2006 South Region Coach of the Year, holds the Tampa record for the most wins by a women’s soccer coach with 75. Along with 35 losses and seven ties, Johnston compiled a .690 winning percentage in six seasons at Tampa. He never had a losing season.
“This was an extremely difficult decision to make, and I owe a lot to the University of Tampa,” said Johnston. “I am very thankful for the opportunities President Vaughn and Larry Marfise gave me. I like the opportunity to coach at my alma mater and putting professional goals aside, this was a decision based on family. I am proud of what this program has accomplished and will miss everyone at UT.”
Johnston has two children and a wife, with extended family back in Virginia.
Last season Johnston led Tampa to the program’s first Final Four. In six seasons Johnston led the school to its first two regular season Sunshine State Conference titles as well as two league tournament championships.
Under his leadership the Spartans appeared in four consecutive NCAA tournaments. In 2004 and 2005, Tampa advanced to the South Region finals. In 2006, the Spartans’ season ended in the Final Four against Grand Valley State.
“We are going to miss Bobby as he did a tremendous job for our program,” said Athletic Director Larry Marfise. “Without a doubt he was the best women’s soccer coach I had an opportunity to work with.”
The search for a new coach will start within the next few weeks. There are no candidates yet, although assistant coach Edmundo Rodriguez is expected to compete for the position.
Johnston previously coached at St. Mary’s, a Division III school in Indiana.
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