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Hall of Fame

Michael J. Sweeney

  • Class
  • Induction
    2006
  • Sport(s)

Legend
Men's Soccer Coach (1980-83) and Women's Soccer Coach(1985-99)

Coaching Accomplishments:

Mike Sweeney was the first coach in the history ofboth the men’s and women’s soccer programs at St.Mary’s College of Maryland. He led the men’s soccerteam to a four-year record of 17-34-4 and the women’s soccerteam to a 15-year varsity record of 120-79-14. His 120 wins withthe women’s program are still the most wins in programhistory as are his 203 contests coached. In 1981, he was named theMaryland Collegiate Soccer Coach of the Year after leading themen’s program to its first non-losing season with a 6-6-2overall record. In 1992, he was named the Capital AthleticConference (CAC) Coach-of-the-Year after leading the women’sprogram to a then program-best 10-3-1 overall record. In 1997, heearned his 100th career victory as the women’s soccer coach.He is the longest-serving coach for any sport at St. Mary’s,with his 16 years as the women’s soccer coach. Seven ofMike’s former soccer players (four men and three women) havebeen inducted into the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Hall ofFame.

Most Memorable Sports Experience at St.Mary’s:

“The season ending conference semi-final gameat home versus Salisbury. Both teams were ranked in the top 10 inthe Mid-Atlantic Region with hopes of winning the confer­encechampionship and getting an NCAA tournament bid. The game was tiedat the end of regulation and also at the end of four overtimeperiods. We lost on the 10th kicker after the game had gone topenalty kicks. The game had gone on so long (150 minutes) that ithad gotten dark and since the field was not lighted, we had to takethe penalty kicks by the light of the scoreboard.”

Most Missed about Coaching at St.Mary’s:

“I miss the relationships with my players andmy fellow coaches at St. Mary’s.”

Words of Advice For Today’s SeahawkAthlete:

“The seasons and the years go by so quickly;don’t wait until it’s all over before appreciat­ingit.”

Since St. Mary’s:

“Teaching public school. Enjoying (immensely)being a grandfather.”

Involvement in Soccer Today:

“Only as a spectator.”

Thoughts on St. Mary’sCollege:

“What started as something I thought I might do for a yearor two, turned into 22 won­derful years that I will alwaystreasure. I am still in touch with many of my former players and Iam proud of the type of people they have become.”

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