University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Mick Giordano Receives Contract Extension
01.05.2024 | Men's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – After leading the UNC Asheville men's soccer team to one of the most successful seasons in program history, the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees have approved a multi-year contract extension for Mick Giordano that will run through December 2025. Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone made the announcement today (Jan. 5).
"I am excited for the direction that our men's soccer program is going under the leadership of Mick Giordano," said Cone. "The group of men that represent the university on the soccer pitch do so with the utmost class and respect for the game, which is a credit to Mick's leadership. I am proud to continue to support Mick at the helm of our program and his championship pursuits."
This past fall, in his fourth season as the program's head coach, Giordano led the Bulldogs to one of the best seasons in program history. Asheville won 10 matches for the first time in its Division I era, posted a program record of seven All-Conference selections, and appeared in the Big South Conference Championship match for the first time in program history. In addition to the weekly and conference accolades, Charlie Farrar was the first-ever Bulldog named Big South Conference Goalkeeper of the Year. Asheville notched four First Team All-Conference selections, which tied a program record. Giordano also coached Brendan Herb, who in 2023 became the program's third College Sports Communicators Academic All-America selection.
The Bulldogs finished the season 10-5-3 and 4-2-1 in the Big South.
Giordano, a 2013 graduate of UNC Asheville, started two seasons in the midfield as a student-athlete for the Bulldogs. He started in seven of his 11 appearances as a junior and started 17 matches as a senior. He finished third in minutes and recorded two assists in his final campaign, in which the Bulldogs secured eight victories.
From Giordano:
"I am excited for this opportunity to continue leading our men's soccer program here at UNC Asheville. We are in the midst of a special time both as a program and athletic department. I would like to thank Chancellor van Noort, AD Cone, and the Board of Trustees for their confidence in our staff to continue our push for excellence in all facets of life. I would not be in this position without amazing student-athletes, support staff, and assistant coaches. To our support staff, especially our sport admin Colin Smith and AD Cone, thank you for the constant work and guidance provided daily. Your mentorship continues to be steady, positive and reinforcing.
A massive thank you to our guys for everything they continue to do on and off the field. As coaches, we set a blueprint for the ideas and culture we want to have, but our student-athletes manufacture this into a reality through their commitment, graft and character every day. The commitment to consistency and small details continue to show daily, allowing our program to flourish. You all continue to raise the standards which propel us forward.
Thank you to the staff, Joe, Ronnie, Kelly and Brian, as you four constantly put our student-athletes first. When it comes to Joe, thank you will never cover it. He is my right-hand man and continues to be in the trenches with me no matter the situation. He has shown to be the true backbone of our program, constantly being an empowering leader to our student-athletes and program. I personally benefit and grow daily by working with him, so thank you for being the friend, leader, and support that helps me be better for student-athletes.
I would also like to thank my amazing and patient wife, Analee, for everything she continues to do behind the scenes for me, our staff and our student-athletes. From Sunday treats you make for the players, hosting our team at the house once a month, and constant fundraising ideas, your impact is limitless. Without you, I would not be the coach, leader, or person I am today. Your positivity and light continue to shine through me daily, which then spreads throughout our program.
Our staff understands the expectations that come with a multi-year contract. We will continue to do our best in all facets as we elevate our internal goals and focus on our path toward excellence. It takes a collective group with aligned targets, internal drive, and the same positive character to produce special outcomes. While we have growth that needs to be made as a program and as individuals to achieve more, this collective group is doing exceptional work on and off the field. Thank you to everyone for this opportunity, and I hope to see a few more record-setting crowds at Greenwood next Fall - Dream Bigger, Achieve More!"
