Gerry Lucey Resigns as Head Women’s Soccer Coach
TAMPA, Fla. - University of Tampa women's soccer coach Gerry Lucey has resigned from his position to explore other opportunities.
"It's with great sadness that I announce I'll be moving on from The University of Tampa. I've spent 8 years here as the head coach and another 2 as the assistant. I've enjoyed some fantastic moments with some incredible young women during this span. They've inspired my life and pushed me to grow and develop as a coach. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the alumni who have offered unwavering support during these years and who have religiously followed the program through the highs and lows. I would like to thank my assistant coaches (Don Tobin, Ricky Davis, Alan Berrios, Erin Morse, Kai Velmer and Brittan Spence) through this period for their dedication to our program. This journey wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for Bobby Johnston, who initially hired me as an assistant and then Larry Marfise who brought me back from West Chester University. I'm indebted to many people behind the scenes who have made our lives so much richer, including Cher Pittenger, Scott Brickett, Gil Swalls, Tom Kolbe, Melissa Wright, Rob Fielder and Jerome Fulton. The coaching staff at UT are a wonderful group of talented individuals who year after year rise to the challenge associated with such a strong and storied athletic program. I appreciate the comradery and advice each coach was willing to offer."
The program's all-time winningest coach also captured the lone national championship in program history. He leaves with an all-time record of 114-43-20 at UT. At the helm of the Spartans, Lucey led his teams to one SSC regular season championship, four SSC tournament championships, two NCAA South Regional titles and the 2007 NCAA national championship.
Prior to his eight years at UT, Lucey served as the head coach at West Chester for one season and also coached at his alma mater, C.W. Post. In 10 full seasons as a head coach, his overall career record is 153-49-21. In total, Lucey's teams have advanced to a total of eight NCAA tournaments, including six at UT.
Lucey's teams have also excelled in the classroom, earning an NSCAA Team Academic Award all eight years of his tenure. He also coached two Academic All-Americans, once NSCAA Scholar All-American and 24 academic all-district/region selections.
In addition to coaching 2007 National Player of the Year Shannon Aitken, he also coached 12 All-Americans, 38 all-region performers, one SSC Player of the Year, one SSC Freshman of the Year, and 29 all-SSC players.
"I'm excited about the challenges ahead and can't wait to get started. I'll be moving to the Philadelphia area in late July to work with EPL (English Premier League) Sports who are an international sports tour/camp company. I'll be spearheading their college and club division. In addition I'll be coaching with one of top youth clubs in the US, Penn Fusion soccer club primarily their ECNL side and college advisement. Penn Fusion were recently chosen by Bayern Munich FC as one of their two US affiliates. To be able to combine two of my passions in soccer and travel is something I've been seeking for a while. This is a fantastic opportunity to move back to the northeast area, be closer to family and start a new chapter of my life. I wish the best of luck to the future of UTWS and hope they continue it make the alumni proud."