January 6, 2010
JAMES STEPPING DOWN AS COACH OF YORK SOCCER PROGRAMS
TORONTO - York University Sport & Recreation announced on Wednesday that Paul James has stepped down as the master coach of the Lions men's and women's soccer programs.
James was the head coach of the women's soccer team for six seasons and in that stretch, led the Lions to five division titles, three OUA championships (2005, 2007 and 2009) and four CIS championship appearances, an event York had not reached before his appointment. The Lions' best finish at the national tournament was a silver-medal showing in 2007, and he was named the CIS and OUA coach of the year that same season. His overall record with the women's program was an impressive 66-19-15 during his six seasons at the helm.
"Resigning my position at York has been a very difficult decision for me to make, but it was always about moving into a new direction with my career," said James. "I am very grateful for the amazing support I have personally received from the Sport York staff, the players and the alumni. In the future, I will look back at my time with York University with great pride and with plenty of fond memories."
He also coached the men's soccer program for three years, earning OUA coach of the year honours in 2005, before handing over the reins to Carmine Isacco in 2007. As the master coach, James oversaw the team's OUA championship in 2007 and the CIS championship in 2008.
"We want to thank Paul for his commitment and dedication to the York University Lions soccer programs," said Jennifer Myers, director, Sport & Recreation. "In his time here, Paul was instrumental in turning the York soccer programs into two of the best in the country. While we are very disappointed to be losing Paul, we respect his strong desire to pursue other opportunities away from the coaching profession. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours."
A new head coach will be named at a later date.
Source: York Lions
James was the head coach of the women's soccer team for six seasons and in that stretch, led the Lions to five division titles, three OUA championships (2005, 2007 and 2009) and four CIS championship appearances, an event York had not reached before his appointment. The Lions' best finish at the national tournament was a silver-medal showing in 2007, and he was named the CIS and OUA coach of the year that same season. His overall record with the women's program was an impressive 66-19-15 during his six seasons at the helm.
"Resigning my position at York has been a very difficult decision for me to make, but it was always about moving into a new direction with my career," said James. "I am very grateful for the amazing support I have personally received from the Sport York staff, the players and the alumni. In the future, I will look back at my time with York University with great pride and with plenty of fond memories."
He also coached the men's soccer program for three years, earning OUA coach of the year honours in 2005, before handing over the reins to Carmine Isacco in 2007. As the master coach, James oversaw the team's OUA championship in 2007 and the CIS championship in 2008.
"We want to thank Paul for his commitment and dedication to the York University Lions soccer programs," said Jennifer Myers, director, Sport & Recreation. "In his time here, Paul was instrumental in turning the York soccer programs into two of the best in the country. While we are very disappointed to be losing Paul, we respect his strong desire to pursue other opportunities away from the coaching profession. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours."
A new head coach will be named at a later date.
Source: York Lions
