Nov. 12, 2008

­ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Rich Miranda announced Wednesday that he has resigned effective immediately as the head coach of the Navy men's soccer team, after concluding the season last Friday against Army.

"I am grateful and humbled by the opportunity that I have had over the last 18 years to be part of the lives of the young men that have played soccer here at Navy," said Miranda. "I wish all the best for the program next year and in the future."

"Over the past 18 years, Coach Miranda has served the intercollegiate athletic program at the Naval Academy with great dedication, loyalty and integrity," said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. "There have been many memorable moments with men's soccer that will forever stand as historic accomplishments and benchmarks for our future teams. I know Rich leaves the program with mixed emotions, however we all applaud him for his achievements as our coach and for his decision to focus on an even greater educational impact through his full-time commitment to teaching and the comprehensive advancement of our physical mission."

Miranda has been associated with the Navy men's soccer team for the last 18 seasons, serving as Dr. Greg Myers' assistant coach from 1991-2004, before taking over the reigns as the head coach in 2005. He was named the 2005 Patriot League Coach of the Year after leading the Midshipmen to a 8-6-2 overall record and a 3-3-1 Patriot League record in his first year as Navy's head coach. He compiled a 24-34-9 record in four years at Navy.

A national search for Miranda's replacement will begin immediately.

# GO NAVY #