THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University Athletics Director Matt Roan announced Thursday that Mac McBride will be stepping away from his position as head soccer coach due to personal reasons. Assistant coach Danny Free has been appointed interim head coach.
 
"Coach Mac has laid a foundation for Nicholls Soccer to flourish in the years to come, and we are thankful for his contributions," Roan said. "He fit into our department incredibly well and helped with the establishment of a positive culture, placed a premium on academics and giving back, and leaves the program in great standing for future competitive success. We were fortunate to have Coach Mac lead our program for the last three seasons, and I'm personally happy for him that he's reuniting with his family. We wish Mac, Becky, and their beautiful daughters nothing but the best in their new adventure in Texas. We know we'll be able to count them among our fans each time the Colonels visit greater Houston."

The squad recently earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award for the third straight year, an achievement shared by just one other NCAA Division I team. Nicholls also received the USC Team Academic Award all three seasons under McBride, qualifying for the award by maintaining a minimum team grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

During his tenure, McBride helped guide Jess Coates to All-SLC and All-LSWA First Team awards, Katherine Kelly as an All-SLC honorable mention defender, and striker Francesca Curteis to All-LWSA and All-SLC honorable mention honors.

"I want to thank Nicholls State University for the opportunity it gave me to lead its women's soccer program and for the unwavering support the administration has given me throughout my tenure," McBride said. "The people at Nicholls make it a very special university indeed. Being the soccer coach at Nicholls is an experience I will never forget. 

"I'm very proud of the way the team has represented itself through community outreach, nationally-recognized sportsmanship on the field, and stellar work in the classroom. The final piece of the jigsaw is results on the field and those results will come. With interim coach Free at the helm, the future of Nicholls' Soccer is very bright indeed. He is knowledgeable, competitive and hungry for success. Along with coach Lex, they will make a fantastic coaching partnership." 

For the latest news on Nicholls soccer, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_SOC.