WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's Athletics announced today that Head Women's Soccer Coach Nick Rizzo has resigned to accept a head coaching opportunity at his alma mater, Loras College.

Rizzo departs Saint Mary's following a transformational six year tenure which included leading the Cardinals to its first ever trip to the MIAC Championship game.

"It is never easy to lose a great person and great coach and that is what we had with Nick," said Brian Sisson, Saint Mary's Athletics Director. "He was a model of consistency for our ladies and our women's soccer program these last six seasons."

"He helped turn around a program and turn it into one of the best in the region and together great moments were had."

Rizzo compiled an impressive 58-29-16 record at Saint Mary's. In his fifth season with the Cardinals, he was selected as the 2024 MIAC Women's Soccer Coach of the Year. That year, he led the Cardinals to a 14-3-4 overall record, including an 8-1-2 mark in conference play, earning Saint Mary's its first-ever trip to the MIAC Championship game. 

In this historic season, he coached both the MIAC offensive and defensive player of the year for the first time in his career.

"I am going to be forever grateful for my time at Saint Mary's. This town and school became a home for my family," said Rizzo. "I feel so lucky that Brian gave me this chance."

"What we built here is special, and I am so excited to see what this amazing group does this upcoming fall and beyond; they are ready to take this program to even new heights."

This past season, Rizzo took the team to back-to-back playoff tournaments. In the season, he coached one All-Region IX player, two All-Conference selections, and an honorable mention player. Academically, he coached a record breaking six CSC Academic All-District honorees and another record breaking 25 players on Academic All-Conference.

"The players that I have had the privilege of coaching here over the past five years are not only very talented soccer players, but some of the best humans in the world. Watching these players grow both on and off the field over the time that I spent here has been the most rewarding part of the experience."

 "I will greatly miss the memories that we made."

He is returning to Dubuque, Iowa where he was a four-year starter on the men's soccer team and three-time All-Conference selection at Loras College, helping the Duhawks to four NCAA tournaments.

Sisson noted that a search for Rizzo's replacement would begin immediately.