College men’s soccer: Vanguard coach resigns

COSTA MESA - Dave McLeish ended his 16-year career as men’s soccer

coach at Vanguard University when he announced his retirement Tuesday.

McLeish began his coaching career at Vanguard in 1986 and completed

his 16th season last week.

Vanguard qualified for the playoffs nine times during McLeish’s tenure

and finished second in the Golden State Athletic Conference in 1987,

1989, 1993, 1996, and 2000.

In 1990, McLeish was named the Far-West Region’s Coach of the Year by

the NSCAA. McLeish won 123 games with the Lions and has produced over 25

All-GSAC players through the years. His teams have had five NAIA

All-American players in the last six seasons and VU ended the 2000 season

ranked 15th in the NAIA.

This season the Lions ended with a 7-11-1 overall record and finished

eighth in GSAC with a 4-6 record.

McLeish is also a full-time teacher at Marina High School, and plans

to continue coaching for the Seahorses club team while having more time

to spend with his family.

“Coach McLeish is responsible for the status of Vanguard University

men’s soccer,” said Director of Athletics Bob Wilson. “He has had an

impact on the lives of many student athletes in his years of service to

Vanguard University.”

Vanguard University will begin a search immediately to fill the men’s

soccer coaching position.