Long-time University of Mary Washington men's and women's cross country and track and field coach Stan Soper has announced his retirement effective at the conclusion of the 2015 track and field season. Soper, one of the most respected and admired coaches at any level of NCAA athletics, retires after 41 years of teaching and coaching, including 31 at Mary Washington, making him the longest tenured coach in school history.
"I have so many wonderful memories of my time here, and have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with hundreds and hundreds of outstanding student-athletes", said Soper in a statement. "I will miss that interaction, as well as miss my coaching peers both at Mary Washington and around the conference and region. I am very proud of what our program has accomplished, and I feel blessed to have been a small part of that. I know my successor will come in and will move the program both forward and upward. It's always a great day to be an Eagle!"
A former distance runner at Frostburg State University, Soper came to Mary Washington in 1983. He has earned the Capital Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award in either men's or women's cross country 22 times, leading the two teams to a combined 25 conference titles. In track & field, Soper has led UMW to 23 CAC titles, including 17 for the women. In doing so, he has been named the conference track & field coach of the year 20 times.
A member of Frostburg's athletic hall of fame, Soper has guided 49 All-America performers. Soper has coached six NCAA Championship-qualifying cross country teams, and led UMW to a combined 45 conference titles in 24 years of the CAC's existence.
"This announcement is bittersweet for us", said UMW Director of Athletics Ken Tyler. We're very happy for Stan and his family, and, after a stellar 41-year career in teaching and coaching, he has certainly earned the opportunity to relax a little! Stan will be strongly missed, though, by his student-athletes and colleagues here at UMW."
Tyler continued, "During his career, Stan has helped hundreds of student-athletes run faster and jump higher, but, more importantly, he has helped them become better people. He provided a daily example through his strong character and quiet dignity. Stan's record of championships and coach of the year honors is incredibly impressive, but the number of successful alumni and the countless people he has positively influenced will be his most enduring legacy. We thank Stan for all that he has given to the University of Mary Washington and look forward to a successful and fitting end to his outstanding career."