Coaching Search Doesn’t Please Everyone at UCI

In an era of athletic budget slashing, UC Irvine Athletic Director Dan Guerrero felt it was a chance to be the bearer of good news for a change. But it wasn’t all that well-received by Irvine’s soccer coaches.

Guerrero announced Friday that a nationwide search would be launched to fill a full-time director of soccer/head women’s coach.

“In assessing our programs, we felt that soccer, especially women’s soccer, was an area where we could make a positive impact,” Guerrero said. “You won’t find better AYSO programs anywhere than right in this community and many of the best college players in the country come from right here.”

Guerrero said the new position would have positive gender-equity ramifications, unify a “fragmented” fund-raising effort and enhance the school’s standing in the community. But men’s Coach Derek Lawther and women’s Coach Ray Smith--both part-time employees--were upset that Guerrero chose to look beyond the campus.

Said Lawther, a former professional player and coach: “I don’t think there are many people as qualified, regarding experience and coaching expertise, as I am. I’ve been here 10 years. I would have taken it, but they told me not to apply; that I was the men’s coach.”

Smith, who led Irvine’s women’s team to its only three winning seasons: “It’s an awkward position to be applying for a job you already have. It’s very positive for UCI soccer and the school and you’d like to be around to enjoy what you worked so hard to build.”