Indiana University Athletics
Yeagley Announces Plans to Retire (01-27-03)
1/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana head soccer coach Jerry Yeagley has announced his plans to retire at the end of his 31st season this fall.
"There are no extenuating circumstances and this is not something that popped up overnight," Yeagley said. "My health is good. I love my job and we have a great young team. IU soccer is still my passion. I made up my mind several years ago that I didn't want to hang on too long and I feel like it's time. I want to be a bit selfish and protective of my remaining years. There are things I want to do with my wife Marilyn and my family."
In 30 years as the program's founder and head coach, Yeagley has cultivated Indiana into one of the nation's premier soccer programs. He has led the Hoosiers to five NCAA titles (1981, 1982, 1988, 1998 and 1999), 15 College Cups and 11 championship game appearances. Yeagley has amassed a career record of 527-98-40 (.823). He is college soccer's winningest active coach and ranks second all-time for career wins. In order to move into first place, he would need 18 victories in his final season to pass Stephen Negoesco, who won 544 games in 41 seasons at San Francisco. His teams have also won nine Big Ten Tournament titles and nine regular season conference crowns.
Yeagley has been named the National Coach of the Year on five occasions (1976, 1980, 1994, 1998 and 1999) and was inducted into the United States Soccer Federation Hall of Fame in 1989.
Over the last 30 years, Indiana soccer is tied for the most national championships of any collegiate soccer program and ranks first for College Cup appearances, NCAA Tournament victories, NCAA Tournament appearances, NCAA Tournament winning percentage and overall winning percentage. In addition, every four-year player at Indiana has competed in at least one College Cup.
"I know I will miss it, but I will be close by. I won't be a hands-on ex-coach, but I will be available," Yeagley remarked. "I have deep feelings for both IU Soccer and Indiana University. I will continue to be a strong ambassador for both, even after I'm finished coaching.
