Steve Swanson Committed to Staying at Virginia
Story Links
March 7, 2005
CHARLOTTESVILLE – Virginia women’s soccer head coach Steve Swanson announced today that he has withdrawn his name from consideration for the vacant position of Head Coach of the United States Women’s National Team. Although U.S. Soccer contacted him about his interest in the position and there were published reports linking him to the job, Swanson reaffirmed his commitment to the Cavalier program.
“I am flattered to be considered as a candidate for the position of Head Coach of the Women’s National Team. There is no more challenging and competitive coaching position in women’s soccer, which makes it a truly unique opportunity. However, I do not think the timing is right at this point of my life for me to consider the position, not only because of the ages of my children, but also my desire to continue to build the soccer program at the University of Virginia,” said Swanson.
“Having been involved with the Women’s National Teams Program over the past five years, I have come to appreciate the amount of time away from home that comes with the position, especially during World Cup or Olympic years. Some people have told me that I might never have an opportunity like this again, which makes this decision even more difficult. However, I decided 14 years ago to start a family and I am committed to doing what is in their best interest until they are no longer dependent on me.”
“I also feel deeply committed to our program at the University of Virginia – to the administration, to the coaching staff, to the incoming class who will join our team this fall, and most especially to the current group of players who have worked so hard and are such a pleasure to coach. We have made some enormous strides these past five years and I feel we are on the cusp of some even greater success in the future.”
Swanson just completed his fifth season at Virginia and has a record of 70-27-11 at the school. In 2004, Swanson led the Cavaliers to a 17-3-2 record, a No. 2 season ending ranking by Soccer America, and the program’s first ACC Championship. Before coming to Charlottesville, Swanson was the head coach at Stanford and Dartmouth and has a career record of 173-89-22 in 15 seasons as a collegiate head coach. He has been involved with U.S. Soccer since 1999 and has served as head coach of both the U-16 and U-18 National Teams.