Former UNCG Men’s Soccer Coach Mike Berticelli to be Inducted into United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Former UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men’s soccer Head Coach Mike Berticelli was elected to be inducted into the United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame, as announced by the organization on Thursday.
Berticelli will be inducted into the 2025 Hall of Fame class with the likes of John Daly, the long-time women’s coach at the College of William & Mary; and Glenn Myernick, a versatile figure in American soccer, will be honored at the Awards Ceremony, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
Berticelli, who was inducted into UNCG’s Hall of Fame in 2000, guided the Spartan men’s soccer team from 1980-83, which included back-to-back NCAA Division III national championships in 1982 and 1983. Additionally, he finished his four seasons in Greensboro with a 70-9-5 overall record in just 84 games. Berticelli’s 1983 squad holds the program record for goals (102) and wins (23) in a single season.
A renowned figure in the world of collegiate soccer coaching, Berticelli left an indelible mark on the sport. With a career spanning decades, He achieved remarkable success and garnered numerous accolades in a career shortened by his untimely passing in 2000.
Berticelli’s coaching journey began in the 1970s, where he quickly established himself as a rising star. His dedication, strategic acumen, and ability to develop talent led him to the NAIA New England Coach of the Year award in 1977.??????
Berticelli later compiled a 104-80-19 record in 10 seasons as head coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1990-99. Three of his teams participated in the NCAA Tournament, including the 1996 squad that advanced to the second round after a 1-0 upset of second-rated UNCG that marked Notre Dame’s first-ever NCAA victory in men’s soccer.
His impact extended beyond his team’s victories. Berticelli was a passionate advocate for coaching education as he served as the Director of Coaching Education for the NSCAA and was on the NSCAA Board of Directors. He was also instrumental in the creation of the United Soccer Coaches Award for Excellence in Coaching Education, which is named in his honor.
His legacy continues to inspire aspiring coaches and players alike. Berticelli’s dedication, knowledge and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an impression on the world of collegiate soccer.
Berticelli, Daly and Myernick will become the 83rd, 84th and 85th inductees into the United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame, established in 1991 to honor achievements in coaching, work on behalf of the association, and lifetime contributions to the game of soccer. Berticelli and Myernick will be inducted posthumously.
Courtesy of Connor Wachtel
Strategic Communications Coordinator
UNC Greensboro