Gustavus Adolphus College Head Women’s Soccer Coach Mike Stehlik has announced his resignation after 22 years directing the program. Stehlik has decided it is time to step away from collegiate athletics and pursue other interests in his life. A 1986 DePauw University graduate, Stehlik compiled an overall mark of 223-137-30 in his 22 seasons and ranks 35th in career victories in NCAA Division III women’s soccer history.
“At the end of the season, I made a personal decision that for the program to move forward I felt like it needed a change. The best way for that to happen was for me to step aside. I have no regrets, the friendships that I have made and quality of people I have worked with at Gustavus over the past 22 years, have made my time here very special,” stated Stehlik.
In the mid-1990‘s, Stehlik moved the Gustavus women’s soccer program into the national spotlight with six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Stehlik’s clubs finished in the top four in the conference standings 11 out of his 22 seasons as the head coach. The Gusties won four conference titles (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996) during his tenure and he coached 27 All-MIAC players, six All-Americans, and three MIAC Players of the Year.
“We have been fortunate to have had Mike serve this institution, the athletics program and hundreds of student-athletes with passion and class for the past two decades. He has contributed a great deal to the Gustavus community and we wish him the very best as he moves on to new challenges in his life,” stated Athletics Director Al Molde.
The search for Stehlik’s replacement will begin immediately with the hopes of having a new coach hired by early February.