22 consecutive seasons, 3 Big Ten championships, 1 undefeated conference season, 13 NCAA tournament, 4 Round of Sixteen, and 2 national semifinal appearances later, Penn State coaching legend Barry Gorman is finally stepping away as the Nittany Lions soccer head coach.

“Personally, at this time in my career, it is time to move on and explore other challenges and opportunities … It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to have been the Penn State men’s soccer coach. I owe great debt of gratitude to many people for their guidance, help and support over the course of my tenure.”

The 266-158-42 overall record including a 79-54-13 in the Big Ten makes coach Gorman the program’s all time winningest coach in just 22 years. During his tenure, he has cultivated 2 first team All-Americans, 33 NSCAA All-Region selections, 44 first team All-Big Ten honorees, 5 Big Ten Players of the Year and 4 Big Ten freshmen of the Year. Forward Jason Yeisley was the latest Lion to be selected 38th overall by FC Dallas in the 2010 MLS Draft.

But it wasn’t just the success on the field that solidified Gorman’s place in Nittany Lions lore. It was his dedication to winning the Penn State Way, emphasizing the student aspect to his student-athletes that earned the coach 3 NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year honors. 145 academic All-Big Ten recipients, 39 academic all-region/district or All-American accolades and 1 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award is proof that Gormans’ players excelled both on the field and in the classroom.

The last couple seasons have been tough on Barry Gorman and the men’s soccer squad. The team failed to advance past defending champion, Maryland in the second round of the NCAA tournament this past season. And they failed to qualify for the 2008, 2007 and 2006 tournament altogether.

I had the pleasure of meeting Barry Gorman in person when my college roommate tried out for the soccer squad in 2006, and apart from his accent, it was his direct no nonsense attitude to his players and fans that stood out most to me. Although many fans are disappointed that Gorman is leaving the Penn State family, we should be grateful for the way he has represented the soccer program and Penn State athletics in general getting it done the Penn State way.