After a decade at the helm of the Virginia women’s soccer program, coach Lauren Gregg announced her retirement Dec. 6.
Gregg will concentrate on her work with the U.S. women’s national team as an assistant coach. She has been a national team assistant since 1988.
“The decision to resign … is probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” said Gregg. “This program has basicallly been my life the last 10 years.”
“I made the decision … based on what I felt was best for the Virginia players and myself. As an assistant to the Olympic team, I’ll be gone the next eight months, and I fell the Virginia program needs constant attention. Obviously, I can’t do that since the Olympic team will be in residence in Florida … I felt the players here deserved more.”
Gregg became the Cavaliers’ first head coach in May 1986, and led them to eight NCAA tournament appearances, as well as a final four berth in 1991. In 1990, she received the NSCAA Coach of the Year award after posting an 18-3 record, which included a 16-game winning streak and a three-week stint at the top of the national rankings.
“I’ve accomplished what I came here to do,” said Gregg. “I’ll always feel a part of this program, and I’ll miss working with these players the most.”
Assistant coaches Doug Smith and Kerry Dziczkaniec will direct the Virginia program until a new head coach is named.