From University of Rochester Athletics
University of Rochester women's soccer head coach Sike Dardaganis has announced he will retire from college coaching at the University, stepping away from his position effective June 30th.
"After much recent reflection, I'm retiring this summer," Dardaganis said. "It is difficult to announce this decision, yet I am comforted that I will forever remain a grateful alumnus and belong to the history of this extraordinary women's soccer program and University."
"Sike has been fully committed to the University and our women's soccer program during my entire tenure," said Executive Director of Athletics George VanderZwaag. "He has been a valuable colleague, building a strong program that attracts top students from around the country. I am very grateful for his service to our department."
Dardaganis, a 1992 UR graduate, has spent nine seasons leading the Yellowjackets women's soccer program, and overall has been with team for 24 years, formerly serving as assistant coach to Terry Gurnett for 14 seasons while also practicing law as an attorney. During his time at Rochester, he also served as national chair of the United Soccer Coaches Association.
In his last season at Rochester, he directed a 9-6-2 campaign. Further, his accomplishments as head coach with the program include 61 victories, NCAA Division III Tournament appearance in 2018, and helping lead his players to a total of 40 All-University Athletic Association honors.
Dardaganis has been part of the UR women's soccer program for 24 years
During his head coaching tenure, Rochester players have earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award on nine occasions; there have been six CoSIDA Academic All-District selections, three United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region honorees, one Scholar All-American, five UR Student Life Awards athletic leadership honorees, and six UR Garnish Scholar recipients.
Coach Dardaganis' career achievements certainly extended to his impact as an educator at Rochester. He shared, "In reflecting on the many years at Rochester, I've cherished each opportunity to hopefully help our students in meaningful ways. The opportunity to help others in their journey is the greatest gift I believe anyone could receive in life. I couldn't have been more fortunate to coach the remarkable women who joined our Yellowjacket family and continue to celebrate their accomplishments."
"I would like to thank George VanderZwaag for the cherished opportunities and guidance throughout my years at Rochester, as well as the caring leaders in our athletic department that I have had the good fortune to work alongside," said Dardaganis. He further added, "My most heartfelt appreciation goes to my family who always supported me in the drive to give everything I could offer to this soccer program. My coaching career would never have been possible without them."
Coach Dardaganis also shared, "As any coach knows, our colleagues make this journey even more amazing, and I am so very lucky to have coached with many outstanding people. I hate omitting anyone, but I do want to specifically thank my mentors, Terry and Chris Apple, who helped guide my journey at every turn, as well as all of our gifted assistant coaches."
"Most importantly, I want to thank every Yellowjacket I have had the privilege of coaching over my career. I have always known that Rochester attracts wonderful people and they proved it every day in my twenty-four years. I am so very honored to have been a part of their journeys and each one holds such a special place in my heart forever! As fellow alumni now, I look forward to supporting our current and future 'Jackets with the same immense pride and caring that they have always shown me."
The Rochester women's soccer team has established itself as one of the premier Division III programs since its inception as a varsity sport back in 1978. Some highlights of UR's women's soccer history include back-to-back NCAA Division III titles in 1986 and 1987, over 450 all-time wins and 20 all-time NCAA appearances.