Bobby Johnston Accepts Position at Alma Mater
TAMPA, Fla. - University of Tampa Head Women's Soccer Coach Bobby Johnston has announced his resignation after accepting a position at his alma mater, James Madison University. UT's all-time winningest coach leaves the program following six winning seasons at the helm of the Spartans to become the assistant coach for the Dukes.
"This was an extremely difficult decision to make and I owe a lot to The University of Tampa," says 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.
Last season, Johnston led Tampa to its first Final Four appearance in program history in the ninth year of existence for the UT women's soccer team. In six seasons, Johnston accumulated a 75-37-7 overall record while leading the school to its first two regular season Sunshine State Conference titles as well as two league tournament championships.
Under Johnston, the Spartans appeared in four consecutive NCAA tournaments, compiling a 5-3-1 record in postseason play. After making the first NCAA tournament in school history in 2003, the Spartans advanced to the regional finals in 2004 and 2005 before winning the South Regional and Quarterfinal matches in 2006.
"We are going to miss Bobby as he did a tremendous job for our program," says Tampa Athletic Director Larry Marfise. "Without a doubt, he was the best women's soccer coach I had an opportunity to work with."