USL Adds Mike Jacobs to Executive Team

USL is pleased to announce it has named longtime college soccer coach and educator Mike Jacobs to its leadership team as Vice President, Developmental Properties. Jacobs, the incoming NSCAA President, will join USL at its Tampa headquarters after completing the 2014 NCAA season as head coach of the University of Evansville men’s soccer program.

In his new role, Jacobs will serve as part of the senior management team for USL PRO and provide strategic management and direction for the under-23 PDL, the U-20s and USL’s youth leagues, while ensuring their integration into the professional league structure. He will also have an active role in the growth process for each of the leagues.

Jacobs will represent USL in a technical and player development capacity with MLS and the U.S. Soccer Federation, will oversee the USL PRO Combine and spearhead the development of a USL PRO youth academy.

“USL is very pleased to welcome Mike Jacobs to its senior management team,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “Mike’s unique background blends outstanding collegiate coaching with high-level soccer industry executive experience. In addition to his USL PRO technical involvement, Mike’s new position will allow him to lead the under-23 PDL into its new expansionary phase and the important role it will assume under USL PRO and MLS. Additionally, he will direct the creation of a new USL PRO youth academy initiative.”

Jacobs’ tenure as the head coach at the University of Evansville began in 2006, and in the eight years UE has posted a 71-69-8 mark, advancing to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title game in 2009. In the eight seasons prior to him taking over, the Aces were 49-88-12.

“I am so excited about the opportunity to join USL,” Jacobs said.  “This is an electrifying time for professional soccer in our country, and USL is at the center of its growth.  The potential of working in this capacity is both humbling and exciting.”

Before taking over at Evansville Jacobs was the top assistant at Duke University, helping the Blue Devils earn three NCAA Tournament trips, a spot at the 2004 College Cup and a 2005 ACC Championship. He was honored by the NSCAA in 2004 as the inaugural winner of the National Assistant Coach of the Year.

A 1993 graduate of Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y., Jacobs was head coach at Iona College from 1996-99 and was the 1997 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Jacobs holds a USSF ‘A” license and an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, and has served on the national coaching staffs of US Soccer and the Super Y League. Among the players he has identified and developed are Brad Guzan of the U.S. National Team and Darrius Barnes, Ray Burse and Stefani Miglioranzi of MLS.

Jacobs is also a regular contributor to the NSCAA Soccer Journal.

United Soccer Leagues: USL has become the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America by building on the vision, commitment, and passion of players, fans and investors. Now in its third decade of operation, USL continues to be a driving force in the growth of soccer in the United States, Canada and Caribbean. USL provides a clearly defined path for the progression of male and female soccer players beginning at the youth level (Super Y-League), continuing through the amateur level (PDL/W-League/Super-20/W-20) and up to the professional level (USL PRO). A platform for countless players to reach for their dreams each year, USL is devoted to developing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across the region.