Holy Cross men’s soccer head coach Marco Koolman retires after 12 seasons

Holy Cross men’s soccer head coach Marco Koolman will retire from college soccer and step down from his position after 12 seasons, effective immediately, to pursue other professional opportunities outside of college athletics.

Assistant coach Chris Payne will serve as the Crusaders’ interim head coach during the search for a permanent replacement.

“I want to thank Coach Koolman for his dedication to Crusader Athletics over the last twelve years,” said Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes. “Our men’s soccer program is in a better place because of his leadership, and I have no doubt that he will continue to make a positive impact on young people throughout the global soccer community. I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside our student-athletes and loyal alumni to find the next leader for Holy Cross men’s soccer. The future is incredibly bright for this program and I am eager to support our young men heading into fall 2024 and beyond.”

Koolman coached 24 All-Patriot League selections during his time on Mount St. James, while leading his squad to four Patriot League Tournament appearances. He owns a career record of 264-184-60 in 27 seasons as a collegiate head coach, with a career winning percentage of .579.

“I have had the privilege of spending 12 wonderful years at the College of the Holy Cross, and I have cherished every moment of it,” Koolman said. “During my time here, I worked with exceptional individuals and witnessed our student-athletes grow and develop on and off the field. I want to thank the alumni, Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes and Deputy Director of Athletics Rose Shea for their support and guidance during my time as the head men’s soccer coach.

“As I depart, I am confident that the current team is well-prepared for a promising fall season. The group is composed of outstanding individuals who have fostered a strong culture within the program. Additionally, I am excited about the incoming class, whose talent will undoubtedly elevate the performance of the existing players. With the support of our loyal alumni the program will continue to flourish.”

Koolman led the Crusaders to the Patriot League championship game in both 2013 and 2017, while coaching a number of outstanding players. Yuji Callahan and Evan Jones were both three-time All-Patriot League selections, with Jones also earning Patriot League and ECAC Rookie of the Year honors in 2021. In addition, Justin Carfora, Josh Cintas, Nick Hellmann-Rhodes, Max Krause and Monty Sanders were all named all-conference twice.

Holy Cross was also outstanding in the classroom under Koolman, totaling 155 Patriot League Academic Honor Roll selections. The Crusaders also placed 14 student-athletes on the College Sports Communicators’ Academic All-District team, while totaling eight Academic All-Patriot League honorees.

Koolman leaves behind a strong program ready to compete in 2024 and beyond. The Crusaders will return nine starters and seven of their top eight scorers off last year’s squad, including All-Patriot League selections Ethan Gill and Evan Jones. Holy Cross has also signed five incoming student-athletes who will join the team this fall.