POMONA – Cal Poly Pomona men's soccer coach Paul Caligiuri announced his resignation Tuesday, expressing a desire to focus on other professional interests. 

“Cal Poly Pomona gave me the opportunity to coach at the collegiate level seven years ago and I've decided that now is the time to begin a new chapter in my life,'' Caligiuri said. “There is no question that my work with the student-athletes – both from my time with the men's team and also coaching the women's team – has been the single-greatest experience I've had as a coach. This university will always hold a special place in my heart.'' 

Caligiuri's overall record in seven seasons with the men's team was 45-67-16 and 35-52-12 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Caligiuri went 37-31-1 as the women's coach from 2002-2005. 

“We thank Paul for his efforts in his seven years as head coach for the men's team and his four seasons with the women's team,'' Cal Poly Pomona Athletic Director Brian Swanson said. “He has worked to build our programs and all of his student-athletes have represented Cal Poly Pomona in a professional manner. I know he will continue to be a success in his professional future.'' 

Caligiuri, a former member of the Los Angeles Galaxy and veteran of the U.S. National Team, was elected to the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004 and was officially inducted in October 2005. Undoubtedly one of the best soccer players to ever play for the United States, the Walnut native played professionally and internationally for 18 years. 

From 1984-97, Caligiuri was a member of the U.S. national team and had 110 game appearances, including participation in two World Cups in 1990 and 1994 and the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. One of the most memorable moments of his playing career came in 1990 when he scored the game-winning goal – known as the “Goal Heard Round The World” – against Trinidad & Tobago that qualified the United States for its first World Cup in 40 years. 

Well-respected internationally, Caligiuri played professionally in Germany and became the first American player to make a Division I professional team in Europe. He completed his career abroad with St. Pauli, German Bundesliga in 1995. 

In 1996, Caligiuri played for the Columbus Crew of the newly-founded Major Soccer League. After one year with the Crew, Caligiuri was assigned to the Galaxy, where he helped the team become one of the top defensive units in the league. Los Angeles reached the MSL championship game twice while Caligiuri was with the team. 

“Paul has been a great ambassador for Cal Poly Pomona and for our student-athletes,'' said Dr. Doug Freer, Vice President for Student Affairs. “We will miss him and I'm personally appreciative of the ways he contributed his talents to move the university forward, both on and off the playing field.” 

Caligiuri graduated from Walnut High School in 1982 and then played at UCLA from 1982-86. A two-time All-American at UCLA, Caligiuri captained the Bruins to the NCAA Division I championship in 1985, earning the Most Valuable Player award in the title game. As a senior, he was named the 1986 U.S. Male Soccer Athlete of the Year. In 1996, he was inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame and recently was named to the NCAA 50th-Anniversary team. 

The university will conduct a nationwide search.