April 24, 2000
BERKELEY -
Kevin Grimes, who has a history of success as a player and coach at all levels, was named head men's soccer coach at the University of California, Assistant Athletic Director Michael Sawyers announced Monday.
Grimes, 32, is regarded as an excellent communicator of the game of soccer. He comes to Cal after serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Southern Methodist University, for the past three seasons. During his tenure at SMU, the Mustangs recorded a 50-11-2 record and earned three NCAA Tournament bids.
"We believe Kevin is the perfect fit for the Cal soccer program," said Sawyers, who oversees soccer at Cal. "He is one of the bright, young soccer minds in the country. His track record as a player and coach demonstrates he has the skills and knowledge to take the Golden Bear soccer program to the next level."
Grimes replaces Mark Mallon, who resigned Jan. 5, after seven seasons as Cal's men's soccer coach. Grimes inherits a program which posted a 12-5-3 record last season and narrowly missed earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
"I am thrilled to be the new head soccer coach at California," said Grimes. "It's been a long-term goal of mine to be a head coach at a university with the academic and athletic reputation of Cal. The athletic department has made a commitment to soccer as evidenced by the new Goldman Field in Edwards Stadium. The University and San Francisco Bay soccer community can expect the same level of enthusiasm and commitment to Cal soccer from me."
Before joining the SMU coaching staff, Grimes spent three seasons (1995-97) as coach of the Mission Viejo Pateadores Soccer Club (CA), which is one of the nation's premier soccer clubs with numerous players playing at Division I programs across the country. He also coached the Irvine (CA) High School girls' varsity team from 1995-97 and the San Juan Soccer Club (CA) from 1993-94.
Grimes helped build the SMU program into one of the perennial soccer powers as a player from 1986-89. A two-year captain, Grimes was a two-time first team All-American and a two-time Herman Award Finalist, which is given annually to the best collegiate men's and women's soccer players. Originally from St. Louis, Mo., he earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1990. In 1986, he was named a Parade All-American and Parade Magazine's National Defender of the Year as a senior at Rosary High School.
While at SMU and shortly after graduation, Grimes played with the U.S. national team from 1988-91. He has seven full international caps and has appeared in more than 50 matches. He went on to play professional soccer for eight years, most recently with the Orange County Zodiac of the A-League in 1997, where he was selected to the A-League All-Star Game in Rochester, N.Y. He spent 1996 with the San Jose Clash (now Earthquakes) of Major Soccer League.
Grimes' credentials also include a USSF "B" license and NSCAA Advanced National license.
Grimes and his wife, Nori, were married May 25, 1998.
