ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico athletic department and head men’s soccer coach Jeremy Fishbein have agreed to a two-year contract extension to keep Fishbein at the helm of the Lobo program through the 2019 season. The financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.

“Jeremy has proven he’s an outstanding coach who is dedicated to excellence on and off the field,” said Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs. “His teams achieve high-level academic and athletic success every season. Jeremy’s student-athletes are tremendous representatives of the University of New Mexico on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The Lobo Soccer program truly embodies the mission of New Mexico athletics, and we are committed to the program’s continued success.”

The men’s soccer program at New Mexico is coming off an appearance in the 2013 NCAA College Cup in Philadelphia, which marked the program’s second Final Four appearance in eight seasons. The team also tied a program record with a 3.43 team grade point average this past semester. Fishbein is tied for second among all active NCAA Division I coaches for wins in the last decade with 142 victories.

“I am thankful for the commitment the University of New Mexico is making to the Lobo soccer program, and I’m extremely excited to continue my role of coaching and developing young men into outstanding students, leaders, community role models and athletes,” said Fishbein. “The University of New Mexico continues to make a strong commitment to our program, and I am very excited about our future.”

Fishbein, the program’s all-time winningest coach, has guided the Lobos to 10 postseason appearances in his 12 seasons as head coach. UNM is one of only three programs in the nation to advance to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in 2011, 2012 and 2013. During the Fishbein era (2002 to present), 19 Lobos have been selected in the MLS Draft. Seniors Kyle Venter, Michael Kafari, Michael Calderon and Michael Lisch were selected in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft as New Mexico became one of four college soccer programs with four players taken in this year’s draft. The program has also fielded twelve All-Americans and four Freshman All-Americans since 2002.

Off the field, UNM men’s soccer’s success rivals its athletic achievements. New Mexico has had eight players receive academic all-america honors on 17 different occasions while receiving the NSCAA Team Academic Award nine times in the last ten seasons. The Lobos have also fielded seven NSCAA Scholar Athletes since 2004.

“Our university’s commitment to Lobo Soccer also includes enhancements to associate head coach Paul Souders’ contract. This commitment solidifies his role as an integral part of this program’s future. Paul’s services are paramount to our success, and we are fortunate that Paul will be a member of our staff next season and hopefully beyond,” Fishbein noted.

Coach Fishbein and the team have already begun their spring exhibition schedule. The Lobos most recently recorded a 3-0 win over Denver University in Taos, N.M.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

ECNL Girls N. Atlantic Players to Watch

Women's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview

Best of Men's College Soccer Week 13