Jan. 31, 2008
WASHINGTON - American University women's soccer Head Coach Michael Brady has resigned his position, effective Feb. 9, 2008, Athletics department officials announced Thursday. Brady leaves AU to take a position as the assistant men's soccer coach at Duke University.
"Losing Coach Brady is a substantial blow to our women's soccer program, our department and our institution," Director of Athletics and Recreation Keith Gill said. "Michael was a great coach and mentor to our student-athletes. While we will miss him very much here, we wish him the best of luck at Duke."
A 1992 graduate of American University, Brady is coming off one of the most successful seasons in school history. His squad won four of five major awards from the Patriot League, including Brady's first-ever Coach of the Year award. Meanwhile, Brady mentored Defensive Player of the Year Annette Scott, Goalkeeper of the Year Kelsey Wiggins, Rookie of the Year Friederike Engel and Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year Krystn Hodge. In addition, Engel and Kelsey Brasher were named AU's first-ever National Soccer Coaches Association Mid-Atlantic All-Region selections.
In his nine seasons as head coach, Brady has led eight First Team All-Patriot League selections and 22 Second Team All-Patriot League picks.
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A 1997 inductee into the Stafford H. "Pop" Cassell Hall of Fame, Brady was the finest men's soccer player ever to grace Reeves Field. He led the Eagles to the 1985 NCAA National Championship Game and was named the NCAA Player of the Year that season. He finished his career at AU as the all-time leader is goals (66), assists (29) and points (161). Upon completion of his playing days, he scored at least 100 more points than any other player in school history, and he still holds a 20-point advantage over 2008 Hall of Fame inductee Scott Pearson. Brady is still the all-time leader in goals and points, and remains second in career assists.
"My reason for moving on is all about the opportunity that has been presented to myself and my family with the Duke University men's soccer program," Brady said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed the last eight years and even with the security of knowing that the program is in a very healthy state, it was still an extremely difficult decision."
"I must give big thanks to all of my former players and coaches who made the job so much fun and also to our administration who have been supportive throughout my tenure. The most difficult aspect of the decision to leave was not getting to continue to work with the current group of players and coaching staff, who are a phenomenal group of people. As an alumnus and former student-athlete I will always be invested not only in the soccer programs but the athletic department and community as a whole and I wish the best of success to all."
Assistant Coach Valerie Rauenzahn will act as the Interim Head Coach as the Athletics Department runs a national search for Brady's successor.
Brady Year-by-Year Year Overall Conference Record (Finish) 1991 6-10-0 n/a 2000 2-13-2 1-7-0 CAA (9th) 2001 7-7-3 4-2-1 PL (2nd) 2002 10-8-1 4-2-1 PL (3rd) 2003 10-8-1 6-1-0 PL (1st) * 2004 11-6-2 4-2-1 PL (3rd) 2005 5-10-2 2-3-2 PL (5th) 2006 9-7-2 3-3-1 PL (5th) 2007 10-6-3 4-0-3 PL (2nd) Total 70-75-16 (.484) 1-7-0 CAA (.125) 27-13-9 PL (.643) * NCAA Tournament Appearance
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