KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Former Yavapai College men's soccer coach Michael Pantalione continues to add to his legendary resume as the United Soccer Coaches announced Thursday afternoon that Pantalione will be inducted into its Hall of Fame in the Class of 2022.
"In all my years as a coach, the back of my soccer card still says no goals scored," said Pantalione when asked about the induction. "Give all the credit to the players throughout the years for our accomplishments. Yes, this award is all about our players that play the game."
Pantalione, along with Robert Nye (longtime men's coach at the College of Wooster in Ohio) and Jeffrey Tipping (longtime men's coach at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania), will be inducted during the 82nd Annual United Soccer Coaches Convention which takes place in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 19-23.
"Our Hall of Fame is filled with legendary coaches with distinguished careers and this year we continue that tradition," said Dr. Melissa Price, 2021 United Soccer Coaches President. "This latest group of prestigious coaches are leaders and mentors who have inspired countless players to achieve excellence on and off the field. I am grateful to Bob, Michael and Jeff for their service to the game and acknowledge their contributions to our sport and this association. It is with immense joy and respect that I congratulate them on this career honor."
Pantalione becomes the first member of the Hall of Fame who coached primarily at a two-year institution during his career. The Philadelphia native retired in January from Yavapai, where he started the Roughrider soccer program in 1990. He was one of the most successful Junior College coaches in history, compiling a 31-year career record of 636-63-30 (.893). The 636 victories also make Pantalione the all-time leader in JUCO wins.
His winning percentage ranks in the top three amongst college coaches at any level. He also holds the distinction of being the only retired coach at any level to average over 20 wins per season over his career. During his tenure, Yavapai captured seven National Junior College Athletic Association Championships and 19 appearances in the final four.
In addition to the seven National Championships, Pantalione's Roughriders captured a combined 43 region and district championships along with 28 conference titles.
Pantalione received 12 National Coach of the Year awards and was the West Region Coach of the Year 18 times. A member of United Soccer Coaches since 1978, he has been the recipient of its Letter of Commendation (2014) and the prestigious Bill Jeffrey Award (2015) for long-term service to intercollegiate soccer and the association. He was chair of the Junior College Rankings Committee for 23 years and was the first active coach inducted in the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006.
About the United Soccer Coaches
The United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame was established in 1991 to honor achievement in coaching, work on behalf of the association and lifetime contributions to the game. Each year, up to three inductees are elected into the association's Hall of Fame based on selections made through the balloting of a Hall of Fame Committee including previous honorees. Click here for a list of the previous inductees.
