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After 13 seasons on the job, the most successful coach in the history of Louisville men’s soccer is stepping down.
Ken Lolla announced Tuesday afternoon that the 2018 season will be his last at the University of Louisville.
“Thirteen years ago, God blessed Tina and I with the opportunity to come to Louisville and be a part of this amazing Cardinal family and the Louisville community. We are forever grateful for the acceptance, support, and love we have received from the Louisville community. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent such an outstanding institution and special community,” Lolla said. “Recently, we have received similar promptings from God that it is time to seek new challenges. We have always been faithful to those promptings and we will move forward faithfully, knowing there is a calling we are to fulfill.
”It has been our mission to leave the men’s soccer program better than we have found it. We are proud of the University of Louisville soccer program that has been built and our humble role in helping young men reach their true potential in all areas of life, while representing the University at the highest level. The program is poised for further growth and great achievement. We are so delighted to call Louisville home.”
Before Lolla’s arrival in 2006, Louisville had never played in an NCAA tournament game. Now, they’ve played in 11 and been a national seed six times. Lolla guided the Cards to the 2011 national championship game, and to the Elite Eight on five occasions.
“We respect Ken and Tina’s decision and wish them the best,” said Tyra. “We have enjoyed great success over the last 13 years under Ken’s leadership and appreciate his contributions to our program and community. Our university has made significant investments into our soccer program through resources and facilities, and the lofty goals of our program will continue moving forward. We will begin a national search for our next head coach immediately.”
Lolla leaves Louisville after a 2018 season in which the Cards captured the ACC tournament title, and were the No. 4 overall seed in the NCAA tournament for the third straight year.
This is a major bumer, but thanks to coach Lolla for taking Louisville soccer from nothing and turning it into a national power, and best of luck to him with whatever’s next.