By Matt Bradshaw —

Just this morning, Ken Lolla resigned from his position as head coach of the men’s soccer program. The leader on the pitch for 13 years submitted a letter of resignation to Athletic Director Vince Tyra and announced his decision to the Cardinal nation.

“Thirteen years ago, God blessed Tina and I with the opportunity to come to Louisville and be a part of this amazing Cardinal family and the Louisville community. We are forever grateful for the acceptance, support, and love we have received from the Louisville community. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent such an outstanding institution and special community,” Lolla said. “Recently we have received similar promptings from God that it is time to seek new challenges. We have always been faithful to those promptings and we will move forward faithfully, knowing there is a calling we are to fulfill.”

Lolla finished his career with a 155-77-39 overall record. His biggest accomplishments include a College Cup appearance in 2010, leading to a national runner-up finish, and an ACC Championship title this past season.

“It has been our mission to leave the men’s soccer program better than we have found it. We are so proud of the U of L soccer program that has been built and our humble role in helping young men reach their true potential in all areas of life, while representing the University at the highest level,” Lolla said. “The program is poised for further growth and great achievement. We are so delighted to call Louisville home.”

As a whole, the men’s soccer team has remained one of the most consistently successful programs on campus for the past decade. Lolla has led the Cards to 11 NCAA Championship berths across his 13 seasons, including two Elite Eight appearances in the past three years.

Furthermore, Lolla has consistently recruited and graduated student-athletes who go on to make it as pros in the MLS. He also saw the transition into Lynn Stadium. This past season ended in a disappointing NCAA second round loss, but the overall resume and legacy left behind by Lolla speak louder than any one match won or lost.

Tyra says the search for a new head coach will begin “immediately.”

“We respect Ken and Tina’s decision and wish them the best,” Tyra said. “We have enjoyed great success over the last 13 years under Ken’s leadership and appreciate his contributions to our program and community. Our university has made significant investments into our soccer program through resources and facilities, and the loft goals of our program will continue moving forward. We will begin a national search for our next head coach immediately.”

Though little over a year into his job as AD, Tyra has seen through the departure and acquisition of head coaches for several programs. So far, he has found nothing but success with lacrosse (Scott Teeter), men’s basketball (Chris Mack), softball (Holly Aprile) and the most recently acclaimed Scott Satterfield for football. 

You can follow the Louisville Cardinal on Twitter @thecardsports.

File Photo / The Louisville Cardinal