Brandeis Men's Soccer Coach Announces Retirement

WALTHAM, MA – Brandeis University men's soccer coach Mike Coven announced his retirement this week, closing the book on a storied 44 years at the helm of the program.

Coven led his team to four Final Fours, nine Sweet Sixteens and one national championship, making it one of the most successful athletics programs in Division III history. With 526 wins, the three-time University Athletic Association Coach of the Year ranks sixth all-time in Division III men's soccer coaching wins and is 10th among all NCAA soccer coaches, regardless of division.

"Brandeis has been a special place for me," Coven said in a statement. "The support I've seen over the years – from the administration, from alumni and from the student-body – has made this place into a real soccer school. I will miss it tremendously."

Coven won a national championship with the Judges in 1976 and guided his team to the Final Four this season. He will officially retire Dec. 31.

Coven led Brandeis to the postseason in 25 of his 44 seasons, reaching 14 NCAA Division III tournaments and 11 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England tournaments. He captured four ECAC titles in 1994, 2006, 2010 and 2011.

"Coach Coven has been an integral part of the Brandeis community for more than four decades," Sheryl Sousa, Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and former athletic director, said in a statement. "There are generations of Brandeis alumni whose introduction to Brandeis, and their lasting commitment to the institution today, is because of Coach Coven. He has led a soccer program founded on a sense of family and leaves a legacy of excellence."

Coven served as the men's lacrosse coach in the 1970s and was an instructor of physical education classes at Brandeis. He was also president of the New England Soccer Coaches Association and the New England Intercollegiate Soccer League.

Photo courtesy of Brandeis University, used with permission