ST. PETER, Minn. – Mike Middleton, head men’s soccer coach at Gustavus Adolphus College, has announced his retirement after eight seasons with the program.
“We would like to thank Mike for his contributions to the men’s soccer program and wish him nothing but the best as he enjoys retirement back home in England,” said Director of Athletics Tom Brown. “He has been a wonderful leader and mentor to our student-athletes, and his coaching resume speaks for itself.”
Middleton took over the men’s soccer team in 2010 and within his first five seasons, the Gusties claimed two Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championships (2012, 13) and two league playoff titles (2012, 14). After the 2013 season, Middleton was honored as the MIAC Coach of the Year. In addition to two MIAC championships, Middleton guided the Gusties to three NCAA tournament appearances in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
The eighth head men’s soccer coach at Gustavus, Middleton posted an overall record of 98-38-14 and his 98 victories rank second in the program’s history. He coached 12 players that received 22 All-Conference awards, two MIAC Most Valuable Players, five All-Americans, and three CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.
“Gustavus has been a wonderful experience, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Middleton said. “I must thank the campus community for making me so welcome despite being an outsider. It has been a delight to work in the Athletics Department in particular, with my thanks to all the coaches for their camaraderie.”
Middleton leaves the program in a position of strength with eight starters returning from a team that posted a record of 13-6-0 overall and finished second in the MIAC with a 7-3-0 mark.
“Gustavus has a long and proud men’s soccer history with a league best 14 MIAC regular season titles and we are committed to maintaining that strong tradition,” stated Brown. “We will begin a national search immediately with the hopes of making a hire by early April. This will allow our new coach to be a part of the non-traditional season and get to know our current athletes and recruits.”
It was an honor to play for a guy who taught me what to expect, and how much to expect, out of myself as a professional. Under Coach Middleton I found my physical, mental, and emotional limits. He took a 135 pound kid with no left foot and turned me into a contributing member on a top 20 ranked NCAA team and conference playoff champions. I credit my continued personal growth to the work ethic and drive he instilled in me. He showed me what is possible when you match your effort with your passion. A huge loss for a great team. I know it will be tough but GAC will fill his position with an equally great replacement.