University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Giordano Departs Bulldog Men’s Soccer Leadership
04.02.2025 | Men's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – After five seasons as the head coach of the UNC Asheville men's soccer team, Mick Giordano will be departing from the program for a new opportunity as head coach of the men's soccer program at St. Bonaventure, as announced by Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone on Wednesday, April 2.
"I'd like to thank Mick for all he has done to help get the men's soccer program to where it is today," said Cone. "During his five years as the head coach, Mick represented UNC Asheville at a high standard through his commitment and dedication to the players, the program, and the university. We appreciate his efforts at Asheville and wish him and his family the best of luck."
Giordano graduated from UNC Asheville in 2013 and was a member of the men's soccer team, in which he started all 17 games his senior year and started in seven while making 11 appearances his junior year. After playing overseas in Germany, Giordano became an assistant coach for the Bulldogs in 2015 and helped lead the team to seven wins and a spot in the Big South Conference Tournament.
Following several coaching stops from 2016-2017, Giordano returned to Asheville as an assistant coach in 2018 and 2019 before serving as the Interim Head Coach during the 2020-21 season. Giordano was officially named Asheville's head coach of the men's soccer program on June 4, 2021.
Giordano led the Bulldogs to one of the best seasons in program history in 2023. Asheville won 10 matches for the first time in its Division I era, posted a program-record seven All-Conference selections, and also appeared in the Big South Conference Championship match for the first time in program history. Under Giordano's tutelage, Charlie Farrar was the first Bulldog named Big South Conference Goalkeeper of the Year.
The 2024 Bulldogs posted a record of 7-4-4 on the year, qualifying for the Big South Conference Championships in back-to-back years for the first time in the Division I era. Asheville tied a program record allowing only 15 goals on the season, while also setting a Division I era program record with six shutouts on the season. Giordano saw Farrar earn Big South Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors for the second straight season. Farrar also became the first Big South Conference men's soccer player to earn five Player of the Week honors in a single season and the first player in conference history to earn five consecutive Player of the Week honors.
"My family and I are extremely grateful to AD Cone, Chancellor van Noort, Colin Smith, and UNC Asheville for taking a chance on a young coach," said Giordano. "The privilege to represent UNC Asheville Men's Soccer as the head coach is one I took with the highest honor and responsibility. While we are sad to be stepping away, I know the student-athletes and the program have greatness ahead. The memories we made will be forever cherished, and we now get to support as proud alumni. Thank you to all of the staff, coaches, and student-athletes who have helped me grow as a coach and person. My wife and I will forever be grateful to you all."
With a national search underway, UNC Asheville Athletics intends to act swiftly and effectively in hiring the next head men's soccer coach.
