Danny Sanchez Resigns As Head Women's Soccer Coach

by Michelle Zents, Metro State Sports Information Director

DENVER, COLO. - Metro State head women's soccer coach Danny Sanchez has resigned his position in order to accept the same position at the University of Wyoming, Roadrunner Athletic Director Joan McDermott announced Monday.

"I want to thank Danny for six great years," said McDermott. "He is one of the best coaches at any level in the entire country. With his success, Danny has given Metro State soccer national recognition. It is rare to find a coach of his caliber who has had such success on and off the field. He will be greatly missed."

Sanchez has made Metro State a national powerhouse in his six seasons, leading the Roadrunners to NCAA national championships in 2004 and 2006. During his tenure, Sanchez posted a 128-11-7 overall record and led Metro State to six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and six consecutive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) regular-season championships. A six-time RMAC Coach of the Year and five-time NSCAA region Coach of the Year, Sanchez also led the Roadrunners to four consecutive NSCAA team academic awards, given to programs with a team grade point average of 3.0 or better.

"I would like to congratulate Danny on the success he has had while at Metro State," said Metro State President Dr. Stephen Jordan. "We thank him for his time here and wish him all the best in the future."

Sanchez came to Metro State in 2002 with a tough task ahead as the 2001 team went 6-13-1 overall. However, he immediately made his mark as the Roadrunners went 19-3-3 overall and advanced to the NCAA semifinals in his first season. The 2004 NSCAA National Coach of the Year, Sanchez led Metro State to at least the NCAA Elite Eight in each of his first five seasons. This past season, Metro State advanced to the NCAA Tournament second round and went 16-4-2 overall.

"The past six years at Metro State have been the most special time of my professional career," said Sanchez. "First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the special student-athletes that I have had the pleasure of working with. They made Metro State soccer what it is today and put us on the map. In addition, I would like to thank (President) Dr. Jordan, all of our coaches, the administrators and support staff that have supported us and our goals. Finally, I would like to give a special thanks to Joan McDermott. I will forever be indebted to her for giving me this opportunity and the continued support that she gave me, my family and Metro State soccer. I feel very good that this soccer program is in great shape and will continue to compete for championships for years to come."

Sanchez arrived in Denver after six seasons at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Ariz. He posted a 103-15-5 record in six seasons with the women's team.

McDermott has appointed assistant coach Adrianne Almaraz as the interim head coach, and said that a nationwide search for a new head coach will get underway immediately.