USF Men's Soccer Coach John Hackworth Resigns

University of South Florida head men's soccer coach John Hackworth has resigned to accept an assistant coach position with the United States Men's Under-17 National Team, a full-time position within the U.S. Soccer Federation. The U-17 national team is a residency program, based at the IMG Sports Academy in Bradenton, FL, that plays in some of the premier soccer tournaments in America and worldwide. Hackworth's resignation is effective May 31. An official announcement from U.S. Soccer is expected shortly.

"This has been an extremely difficult decision to leave USF and the men's soccer program," said Hackworth, "but it's too good of an opportunity to turn down."

"What is especially difficult is leaving the program, my assistant coaches, and especially my players, who I have invested a tremendous amount of time and energy with during the last four years. My heart goes out to my players and I hope that they will always know that I will be with them."

During Hackworth's four years at South Florida he helped lead the Bulls to a 47-32-2 (.592) record and two NCAA Tournament appearances (1998 and 2001). His 1998 team won the Conference USA Tournament championship and a share of the C-USA regular season title. For his efforts that season, the Dunedin, FL native was tabbed the league's coach of the year.

"We are very sorry to see John leave USF," said Senior Associate Athletic Director Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy. "He's been really productive here and has brought the men's soccer program at South Florida to the next level. We hate to lose John but we understand that he needs to do what's best for his career. "

This past season Hackworth helped guided USF to a 15-7 record and a 7-3 slate in Conference USA. The Bulls, who jumped out to an 8-0 record and a 9-1 record after 10 games, would climb to a No. 8 national ranking - the highest in school history - during the early part of the season.

Following a loss to Marquette (2-1) in the C-USA Tournament semifinals South Florida would advance to the NCAA Championships in State College, PA where they would defeat Akron (2-1) in the first round before losing to Penn State (1-0) in triple overtime.