[SAINT LOUIS MEN] Mike McGinty, who spent the past 11 seasons as an assistant at the University of Virginia, has been named head coach of the Saint Louis University men’s program. He replaces Dan Donigan, who left recently to become the head coach at Rutgers, and is just the sixth coach in the 51-year history of the storied program that won 10 of the first 15 national championships but none since 1973.

“Mike McGinty brings a winner’s pedigree from the University of Virginia, where as associate head coach he helped lead the Cavaliers to the 2009 NCAA championship,” SLU director of athletics Chris May said. “Mike understands and embodies the goals of educating young men, competing for championships and building community. We fully believe in his ability to move our program forward so that the Billikens not only continue winning Atlantic 10 Conference championships, but also compete for national championships.

“Mike is plugged into the national recruiting scene and has a plan to bring talent into this program that will allow the Billikens to compete at the highest level. His personality, work ethic, enthusiasm and attention to detail are impressive. He connects with young people and believes in developing young men academically and athletically in the Jesuit tradition."

Prior to his stint in Charlottesville, McGinty served as the goalkeeper director for the FC Richmond club team from 1997 to 1998. He also was the goalkeeper director for the Soccer Organization of Charlottesville at the onset of his tenure at Virginia.

He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Wake Forest University, in 1995. He spent two seasons coaching the Demon Deacons, then was the goalkeeper coach with the Virginia Commonwealth University men’s and women’s soccer squads for one season.