University of Mary Washington men's soccer coach Roy Gordon will retire from the University at the close of the spring 2011 semester. Gordon, who has coached at Mary Washington for 34 years, leaves an indelible mark as the only coach in the soccer program's history. He started the program from scratch in 1977 and went on to capture 386 victories on the Eagle sideline. Combined with the 46 victories he gained as head coach at the University of Maine-Farmington, he ranks among the elite in all of college soccer with career 432 wins.

"It is with much discomfort and pain that I announce that Roy will be retiring at the end of this academic year," said UMW Athletic Director Ed Hegmann. "After serving MWC and UMW with distinction, dedication and loyalty for 34 years, HE WILL BE MISSED. As my left-handed, 'right-hand-man' for all those years, I will certainly miss him the most. "

An eight-time Capital Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, Gordon was selected as National Soccer Coaches Association of America Regional Coach of the Year five times, and as Virginia State College Division Coach of the Year on four occasions. He was named the CAC’s Co-Coach of the Year in 2009.

Along the way, Gordon’s teams have achieved unparalleled success, with a 432-253-53 career record. In 2007, Gordon became one of just eight coaches in NCAA Division III history with 400 wins. Since the Eagles made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1985, their cumulative record has been 329-133-33, for an outstanding .698 winning percentage. UMW advanced to nine NCAA Tournaments since 1985, winning eight CAC titles during that time.

One of the most respected soccer coaches in the nation, Gordon will continue to be very active on the national soccer scene. Gordon served as the national convention program coordinator for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for six years before being elected to the executive committee. In 1999, he became the 50th president of the 25,000-member NSCAA. He continues to be active with the NSCAA, working with the national convention organizing committee. He served as the CAC men’s soccer chairman from the league’s inception in 1991 until 2000. Gordon also has served terms on the NSCAA South Region and National Rankings Committees. In 2009, Gordon was the recipient of the NSCAA’s prestigious Honor Award.

Gordon also started the men's tennis program at Mary Washington in 1978, and won 171 matches in 22 years, claiming five Capital Athletic Conference championships, four VITA state championships, and led the Eagles to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1997.