The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Women's Soccer Coach Paul Harbin Announces Retirement
8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 10, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- Paul Harbin, who has guided the UAB women's soccer program since its inception, has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2010 season.
Harbin has been the Blazers' head coach since being named to the position in August of 1995. As he enters his 15th and final season at the helm of the UAB program, Harbin cited the desire to spend more time with his wife and three children.
"I've been a college coach for 22 years, putting in countless hours each week and working the majority of weekends and holidays each year," said Harbin. "Although this profession is a consuming way of life, every minute of that time it's been an absolute privilege to coach at this level, and especially at UAB.
"However, it gets harder and harder every year with Jessica, Anna and Andrew getting older, time away from my wife Mo, and family events I've missed out on with coaching and recruiting. I'm now at a point in my life where I want to make changes that will allow me to prioritize my time with my children, with my wife and with my family."
During Harbin's tenure at UAB, he has led the Blazers to three Conference USA championships (one regular season title in 2003 and two tournament crowns in 2004 and 2006). Under Harbin, UAB has earned a pair of berths in the NCAA Championship and captured the program's first NCAA tournament victory during the 2004 season.
In addition to their success on the field, Harbin's student-athletes have excelled in the classroom. Under Harbin, the Blazers have had five Conference USA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients, two NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients, six Academic All-Americans and two Rhodes Scholar nominees.
"Paul has led our women's soccer program since its beginning and the program has experienced a long list of accomplishments under his leadership," said UAB Athletics Director Brian Mackin. "We are confident that with the solid foundation that he has established for the program that the future will continue to be bright for UAB women's soccer. Those of us at UAB appreciate all his dedication and diligence in building the program, and we wish Paul, Mo and their children happiness and success for the future."
Harbin became the Blazers' head women's coach after two years (1994-95) as an assistant on the UAB men's staff under Mike Getman. He enters the 2010 season with a 137-124-20 record at UAB.
"I'd like to thank Carol Garrison, Brian Mackin, and Derita Ratcliffe for guiding me, for supporting my vision and for their desire to keep the program moving in the same positive direction," Harbin said. "I've enjoyed the opportunity to do something close to my heart for so long, and that's special."
A native of Atlanta, Ga., Harbin served as the head women's coach at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. from 1990-93. His 18-year record as a head coach is 174-150-22. Harbin began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Mercer for two years (1988-89).
Harbin and his team have already begun preseason practice in preparation for the 2010 season, and the long-time Blazer coach is determined to keep the program moving in the right direction.
"This fall, with the help of my three wonderful assistants, Rebecca Whittle, Crystal Royall and Katie Henricks, my full attention will be on doing everything possible to continue to give our current and future student-athletes the best opportunity to succeed on and off the field," Harbin said.
"We've got an exciting team and the potential to have great success this fall and beyond. Once the season's over, I'll begin to look at other opportunities that will allow me to spend more quality time with my family. One thing for certain is that we'll continue to stay involved in soccer with our yearly summer camps."
