Colavecchia Steps Down as Men's Soccer Coach
November 03, 2005 | Men's Soccer
Nov. 3, 2005
Louisville, Ky. - Tony Colavecchia, the University of Louisville men's soccer coach for the past 10 seasons, has announced his resignation today.
"We would like to thank Tony for all his years of hard work and dedication with the Cardinal soccer program," said Jurich. "It is evident that he has a true passion for the sport and we wish him and his family well in the future."
Colavecchia coached the Cardinals from 1996-2005 and finished with a record of 80-101-18 in his 10 seasons with the Cardinals. In 1999 he guided the Cardinals to their first winning season since 1985, compiling a 9-8-2 season and finished fourth in Conference USA. The following season the Cardinals tied the school record for most wins in a season, compiling a 12-9-1 season.
Under Colavecchia the Cardinals had their most successful seasons in 2002 and 2003. The Cardinals finished third in the league both seasons. Colavecchia was named Conference USA Coach of the Year in 2002 after the Cardinals best record in the league at 6-3-1.
"I feel blessed to have been a part of watching the University of Louisville and its athletic department grow into the national leader it is today," said Colavecchia. "We have come a long way since I came here in 1996. Cardinal Park is a gem and that facility is a benchmark for all soccer facilities."
In his 10 seasons with the Cardinals, Colavecchia brought in players that rewrote the Louisville record books. He is responsible for bringing in the Cardinals' first All-American, Adrian Cann. Cann also became the first player to be drafted by the MLS. The Colorado Rapids selected Cann in the second round. In the same class with Cann, Colavecchia brought in the 2003 Conference USA Player of the Year Simon Bird.
"I hope, that in some small way that I have been able to contribute to the University of Louisville but also to the soccer community," said Colavecchia. "I was blessed to work with the best athletic department in the country, especially working with Tom Jurich and Julie Hermann. I learned a lot from both of them and I am hoping that I will continue to use that knowledge in my next endeavor. I would like to thank all my players and assistant coaches that made it a pleasure to work at the University of Louisville."
