UGA fires its soccer coach

Steve Holeman was fired as Georgia’s soccer coach on Monday. His dismissal came just two days after the Bulldogs lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

“We appreciate Steve’s efforts, and wish him the very best in his future endeavors,” UGA Athletic Director Greg McGarity said in a news released issued by the school. “He has always represented UGA in a first-class manner.”

The Bulldogs lost to UCF 2-1 this past Saturday in the first round of the NCAA tournament to finish 10-8-2 on the year. They were 5-5-1 in SEC play.

Georgia went 9-2-1 the first half of the season and surged to No. 16 national ranking in early October. But the Bulldogs failed to win eight of their last 10 games. Another season-ending knee injury to center-back Summer Burnett didn’t help matters.

“I appreciate the opportunity I was given to be the head soccer coach at the University of Georgia,” Holeman said in a statement sent to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I think the program is in a really good place and I wish nothing but the best for the team as they move forward.”

This was the fifth season in Athens for Holeman, who came to UGA from Ole Miss. The Bulldogs 53-39-11 overall under his guidance with two trips to the NCAA Tournament.