The men’s soccer program has often been described as “illustrious,” “a history of champions” and “a tradition.” After all, Saint Louis University leads the nation in NCAA championships with 10.
There’s just one problem. The last championship came in 1973; Head Coach Mike McGinty was two-years-old. And, though McGinty’s predecessor took SLU to the quarterfinals twice, the Billikens haven’t even been close to the crown – their last trip to the championship was in 1974.
Since joining the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2003, SLU has won the conference tournament title just once, not exactly the picture of national dominance.
Above all else, McGinty is looking to change that.
When he was announced as the sixth head coach of the Billikens, McGinty left his position as associate head coach at the University of Virginia, where, as chief recruiter, the Cavaliers reached the NCAA tournament each of the ten years McGinty was on staff.
As a college player at Wake Forest, McGinty helped his team compete at the highest level of the ACC, and in 1991, he made his first trip to the NCAA tournament. At Wake, he ranks third all-time with 255 saves over four years of eligibility. Beyond the numbers, though, McGinty credits his coaches with inspiring his drive to succeed each and every day.
“I was lucky I was playing for the smartest coaches we’ve had in the United States, Walt Chyzowych, one of the founding members of American soccer, and he was like a father to me. Jay Vidovich, his assistant, was somebody who just had a passion for the game,” McGinty said.
“And I think, with those two guys, I was able to listen, learn and understand how committed and passionate you have to be [about coaching]. It’s not just hanging out, putting on a sweatshirt and walking to a game. You have to love it, and live it and want to get better every day.”
Following his college career, McGinty played eight years of professional ball, including stints as goalkeeper for the Richmond Kickers and DC United. But the itch to coach never seemed to leave SLU’s head coach. Immediately after graduating Wake Forest, he returned to the sidelines as an assistant coach, and, before taking the job at Virginia, coached the United States Youth Soccer teams. He was also named goalkeeper director for the Soccer Organization of Charlottesville.
According to McGinty, the allure to change people’s lives has always drawn him back to the sidelines.
“Dealing with 18-22 year olds is a different scenario [than professional ball],” he said. “They are two different animals. I enjoy having an impact on people’s lives in and around soccer, and in and around academics, and also thinking long-term character development. Things like that are important to me.
“I enjoy seeing young people grow and mature and go on to soccer careers, or careers as doctors or lawyers. Those things excite me.”
But, while SLU and its fan base are excited about watching young players grow, ultimately, it all comes down to winning. And as McGinty knows best, dedication and determination will get the Billikens back on top.
After all, McGinty may be SLU’s number one commuter: he travels each day from Springfield, Ill., where his wife, Jasmin, an orthopedic surgeon in the Illinois capitol, and two children are living. McGinty says the distance “isn’t that big of a deal” because the journey allows him to plan his day and accomplish work he otherwise may not have time to do, and this may allude to the commute the Billikens are undertaking, too.
McGinty, like Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Majerus, cleaned house upon arrival. Typically, a coach does not prefer to start five freshmen against top teams like No. 10 Notre Dame or No. 2 Akron. But McGinty has, and this shows his faith and drive to bring SLU back into the spotlight.
When he was hired to coach the Billikens, McGinty made it quite clear why he was here. “The only way I would leave a position as associate head coach of the national champions is to go somewhere and have an opportunity to compete for a national championship as a head coach,” he said. “SLU has the pieces in place to compete on a national level.”
Two years in, the drive has begun. With McGinty at the wheel, SLU hopes No. 11 is the next stop.
