Coach Marchiano Returning to College Park
After leading the varsity soccer team to an undefeated season and an MIAA A conference title, Coach Mike Marchiano will be joining the staff of the University of Maryland women’s soccer team. This opportunity presents him with the chance to return to his alma mater and help lead the Terps to new heights.
Upon making the decision, Marchiano shared the following the players and their families:
“It is with a broad range of emotions that I say goodbye to the Soccer Dons program. I must say that it was never my intention for my time at Loyola Blakefield to be so short, yet in only a matter of a few months, I am able to understand that this is a special institution. Thanks to the various people that I have come across during my time on campus and, most especially, thanks to the group of young men who welcomed me into their team. We found a set of student-athletes who were a pleasure to work with and I am so proud of how they represented Loyola Blakefield on the pitch during this historic fall season. Surrounding these championship-winning Dons, there is a multitude of kind and supportive parents, teachers, and administrators. When you add all of that together, in addition to mixing in BY FAR the best set of fans in the MIAA, it is easy to feel why this is a special place to be for any coach, student-athlete or parent. The tradition and foundation for the Soccer Dons was and is strong. There is no doubt that the future is bright. The journey of the past few months, combined with reaching our ultimate objective, has produced an experience and memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. If ever I am needed, the boys will know where to find me and I will continue to support them from afar. Wishing all of you the best of luck. Roll Dons.”
Read more via umterps.com.
Blake Henry '98 (Director of Athletics) spoke of the immediate positive impact that Marchiano had on the program. “When we hired Coach Marchiano, we had hoped to have him as part of the Loyola family for many years to come,” said Henry. “Sometimes in life opportunities come up that you just must take, and this was one of those opportunities for him. We are so thankful that he was our coach this year and I am sure he will stay in touch with our Dons for years to come.
Please join us in thanking Coach Marchiano for his service to Loyola and wish him well as he takes on his new role. The search for Loyola next head varsity soccer coach will begin immediately.
