Richmond Kickers Feature -- www.richmondkickers.com
Monday, February 6, 2012
RICHMOND, Va. -- Six weeks into the “Kickers Legends” Series, RichmondKickers.com is thrilled to highlight former goalkeeper and St. Louis University Head Coach, Mike McGinty.
A 1995 graduate of Wake Forest University, McGinty accrued impressive stats throughout his collegiate career, ranking second in Wake Forest history in career saves and third in goals-against average.
Signing with the Kickers in 1997, McGinty made 120 appearances over five seasons, setting single-season records for the lowest goals against average (0.68 in 1998) and fewest goals allowed (11 goals in 16 games played, 1998) before wrapping up his professional at D.C. United in 2002.
A stint as goalkeeper coach at Virginia Commonwealth University kick-started McGinty’s coaching career in 1997, earning an assistant coaching position at University of Virginia five years later, eventually taking the title of Associate Head Coach in 2008. Leading the Cavaliers to the 2009 NCAA Championship and three ACC crowns, McGinty proceeded to St. Louis University as the new Head Coach in 2010.
RichmondKickers.com sat down with Mike McGinty to reflect on his career as a professional player and coach:
RichmondKickers.com: Mike, do you think there was a particular moment that leveraged your career as a player?
McGinty: I would not say that there was one particular moment. I just knew from the beginning on, when I was a kid, that I wanted to play soccer and that I would try to take it as far as I could.
RichmondKickers.com: What do you love most about your position as Head Coach of the Men’s Team at St. Louis University?
McGinty: Obviously the age group of the players that I work with is great. Most of them are between 17 and 22 years old and this is a very important stage for everyone that determines their career. I enjoy seeing the progress and how they proceed in their careers, no matter if it’s in sports or business.
RichmondKickers.com: How would you describe your time with the Richmond Kickers?
McGinty: I really enjoyed my time with the Kickers and I have some great memories of the five seasons that I played in Richmond. All the people at the club have been very good and supportive.
RichmondKickers.com: What do you think is special about the Kickers?
McGinty: The Kickers do a great job of identifying themselves. They have always been a very sustainable and down to the ground club, not going with every new trend that comes up. They know about their responsibility within the community and especially with their large youth section they open a lot of great opportunities for kids to play soccer at all levels of play. There is a good balance between the pro side and the youth side in the club.