MEDAILLE NAMES MICHAEL BLYTHE AS NEXT SOCCER COACH

Medaille College Athletic Director, Amy M. DeKay introduced Michael "Micky" Blythe today as the next head coach of the Men's and Women's Soccer programs. 

The addition of Blythe builds on Medaille's current success with the appointment of a seasoned coach and professional with over eight years of coaching experience at the NPSL, NCAA DII, NJCAA DI, and Hull City AFC premier soccer level in England.  

A native of England, Blythe joins Medaille after spending the previous two years as the head coach at Mercyhurst North East, which is a NJCAA DI program.  While coaching at Mercyhurst, Blythe led the Saints to a 19-13 record in two years, including a program best 10 wins in 2014.

Blythe had a stellar playing career at the NCAA Division II level, playing at Mercyhurst University. The former forward was a four-year starter (2001-05) for the Lakers, finishing as the program's all-time leader in career goals (56). He is also the program's second place all time in career assists (26) and the current record holder with 138 career points.

Additionally, Blythe was named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Freshman of the Year in 2001 and GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year three times (2002-04). In addition, he was a four-time all-conference selection. Blythe was named to the second team as a freshman and first team the final three campaigns. Blythe was a member of the Lakers program which reached four NCAA Divion II Final Fours, losing three times in the National Championship Semi-finals and once in the Championship game.

He comes to Medaille hungry to continue the winning tradition.  Blythe shared, "I am committed to maintaining a high standard of coaching for both teams. Ultimately creating an environment where both teams challenge for the AMCC championship is the goal."

When asked about the differences between coaching professionally and at the collegiate level, Coach Blythe had this to say: "The experience gained from coaching at the professional level is second to none, as the attitude and commitment level required for success is extremely high. It teaches you to be at your best every day. The NCAA brings additional challenges due to the educational focus combined with athletic demands we require as coaches. It’s not about just excelling within your sport; you have to do it daily in the classroom too. I learned early in my career being a top notch soccer player is one thing, to be outstanding in the classroom is something completely different. To excel at both makes you extraordinary; that’s the challenge for Medaille student-athletes moving forward. "

Blythe will also be working in the athletic department full-time, as he will also be in the Recruiting Coordinator for the Athletic Department.