Former Men’s Soccer Head Coach Michael Parker to be Inducted into NC Soccer Hall of Fame
NC Soccer Hall of Fame website
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Former UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men’s soccer Head Coach Michael Parker will be inducted into the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 27 at the Piedmont Hall on the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.
Parker will be one of six soccer legends, along with the Charlotte Lady Eagles, to be inducted in the National Champions Hall of Honor. Along with Parker, Robert D. “Bob” Benson, Darius Ejlali, Woody Harrison, Gary Hoilett, and Tom O’Shea will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The UNCG men’s soccer program was inducted into the National Champions Hall of Honor in 2017. Individuals from UNCG who were also inducted were Doug Hamilton (class of 2007), Michael Berticelli (class of 2017), and Eddie Radwanski (class of 2020).
“On behalf of the University of North Carolina Greensboro Athletics and the UNCG men’s soccer program,” stated Head Coach Chris Rich. “We want to congratulate Coach Parker on another great honor! Coach Parker helped build an incredible foundation here at UNCG full of National Championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, Conference Championships, and many wins. Coach is a winner and had a major impact here!
“Our program is where it is because of him and his players. We are grateful for his time and dedication to this program and are excited to continue to honor his legacy. Congratulations Coach!”
These honorees have made an indelible mark on the soccer community, and their exceptional contributions to the sport have earned them a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame aims to preserve the history and legacy of soccer in the state. The North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame was established in 1996, with the first class inducted in 1997.
Consideration for nomination includes long-standing contributions and achievements in advancing soccer in North Carolina. Individuals to be considered may be players, coaches, referees and/or administrators. Length of service will be considered, as well as diversity of involvement.
Parker led UNC Greensboro and Lock Haven University to six total NCAA Championships (three each). In 1993, Parker became the first men’s soccer coach in NCAA history to lead a team to the NCAA Tournament in all three divisions. He led the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament 15 times in his 26 seasons, including eight in the program’s Division I era. Parker led the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament’s round of 16 in 2004, 2005, and 2006. In 2004, the program spent four consecutive weeks as the consensus No. 1-ranked team in the nation.
For all his accolades at UNCG, Parker was inducted into the UNCG Athletics Hall of Fame in September 2005, making him the first male coach to be inducted while still active. Additionally, in honor of all his success at UNCG and contribution to the sport, he was inducted into the Guilford County Hall of Fame in September 2007.
During Parker’s tenure, UNCG won 13 conference titles, including nine during its Division I era. Parker led UNCG to SoCon titles in 1997, 1998, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Parker coached 11 All-Americans, including Siggi Eyjolfsson, UNCG’s first three-time All-American, and UNCG star Randi Patterson, whose All-American status led him to a U.S. National Team U-20 camp invite.
Tickets for the event are still on sale. Click here to purchase a ticket.
Tickets are $75.00 for adults and $35.00 for children (six-years old and younger). The dinner will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Piedmont Hall on the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 2411 West Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, N.C., 27403. Reception is at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6:30 p.m.
Courtesy of Denise Archetto
Assistant Athletic Director For Strategic Communications
UNC Greensboro