DAYTON, Ohio – Mike Tucker, one of the best soccer coaches in the nation, who built and developed the University of Dayton women's program into a perennial power, has announced he is retiring at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

"For 25 years (22 as head coach and three as an assistant) I have been afforded the opportunity to live a dream as a coach of the women's soccer program at the University of Dayton," Tucker said. "Being a staff member at this incredible University, having the privilege of interacting with hundreds of some of the finest young women imaginable, and being there firsthand to witness their growth into women making a positive difference in our world, is a gift that I will always cherish."

He became one of just 17 active coaches to have won 300 matches in NCAA Division I Women's Soccer during the 2015 season. Tucker has amassed a career record of 304-114-30 – a .712 winning percentage in 21 full seasons.

Beginning with this Friday's home opener, the 2016 season will be a celebration of the legendary coach:

• This Sunday, Aug. 28 when the Flyers take on Kent State, will be Coach Tucker T-shirt day. The first 150 fans will receive a free "Tucker Nation" T-shirt.
• Sunday, Oct. 9 will be a celebration of the 20^th Anniversary of UD's First A-10 Championship (the first of 20 under Coach Tucker). All alumnae are invited to return for a pre-game tailgate in which Coach Tucker will speak, and to be recognized at halftime.
• The women's soccer end-of-season banquet will be held Oct. 29, with a Tucker meet-and-greet reception to follow (by invitation only).
• Sunday, Oct. 30 will mark Tucker's last regular season match at Baujan Field. It will be Coach Tucker Appreciation Day. The first 400 fans will receive a free Mike Tucker bobble head and the Hall of Fame coach will be recognized during a pregame ceremony.
   

Tucker took the helm in 1995, the same year the University of Dayton entered the Atlantic 10 Conference. Under his direction, the Flyers have dominated the Atlantic 10, bringing home 11 regular season titles and capturing nine A-10 Tournament championships. The five-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year has led the Flyers to the A-10 Championship a league-record 20 times, dating back to 1996. The Flyers won their first A-10 title in that first tournament appearance, setting the tone for many successful years to come. His astounding career conference mark of 163-31-10 is an A-10 record .824 winning percentage.

"Mike Tucker set the standard for women's soccer at the University of Dayton and will retire as one of the most successful coaches in University of Dayton history, said UD Vice President/Director of Athletics Neil Sullivan. "While the team is focused on competing for an A-10 Championship this season, it's also appropriate we honor his service and contributions to the University and the many student-athletes who have benefited from his leadership.

"We're thankful to Mike and his family, and look forward to honoring his legacy throughout this season," added Sullivan.

Tucker has taken the Flyers to nine NCAA tournament appearances, including advancing to the NCAA Second Round in 2009 and 2010, and a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2001. He was the 2009 NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year and finalist for the 2009 National Coach of the Year.

He's coached and mentored seven NSCAA All-Americans and 60 First Team All-Atlantic 10 selections in his 21 seasons. The Flyers have had 22 Atlantic 10 Offensive Players of the Year, Defensive Players of the Year, Midfielders of the Year and Rookies of the Year in that same time.

Tucker has a long tradition of molding his student-athletes into winners both on the field, and more importantly, in the classroom. For the last 21 years the UD women's soccer team has posted a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, consistently earning the NSCAA Team Academic Award. Following the Fall 2015 semester the Flyers boasted a team-best 3.6 cumulative GPA.

Tucker was inducted into the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame and also received the Honor Award from the Ohio Collegiate Coaches' Association in 2013.

He is in elite company as a head coach at the University of Dayton. His 304 wins (and counting) at Dayton are among the best with these UD Hall of Famers: Don Donoher (437 wins in 25 years as head coach of the Flyer men's basketball team); Tom Blackburn (352 wins in 15 seasons as head coach of the UD men's basketball team); and R. Elaine Dreidame (310 wins in 10 seasons as head coach of the Flyer volleyball team), as well as current head baseball coach Tony Vittorio (443 wins and counting).

Tucker's winning percentage of .712 is fourth behind Hall of Fame Coach Mike Kelly (.819 winning percentage –246-54-1 – in 27 years as head coach of the Flyer football team), current Flyer Volleyball Coach Tim Horsmon's .771 (185-55) and Dreidame's .761 winning percentage (310-97).

Tucker also has the rare distinction of coaching both his daughter Lori, in 1991 when he was an assistant coach for the Flyers, and granddaughter Sidney, who is currently a junior for the Flyers.

"How many coaches have been so fortunate to have been able to coach their daughter (Lori), and now her daughter, Sidney, during their coaching tenure? What a tremendous "ride" it has been," said Tucker. "And it could not have occurred without the unconditional love and support of a most amazing woman, my wife, Chris.  I am beyond thankful for the love of my life!"

The University of Dayton Division of Athletics will conduct a national search for Coach Tucker's replacement following the conclusion of the season.