July 11, 2005

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College Associate Vice President for Athletics Bob Driscoll today announced the appointment of Jim McGirr as the head coach of the women's soccer team. McGirr becomes the eighth coach in the 22-year history of the program. McGirr replaces Tracy Kerr, who resigned in June to spend more time with her family.

"Jim McGirr is the ideal coach to rebuild our program in the highly competitive BIG EAST," Driscoll said. "He has coached at many different levels and he has experience recruiting in the BIG EAST. We are excited about the passion and commitment that he will bring to our women's soccer program."

McGirr has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Villanova. In 2003 and 2004, he helped the Wildcats advance to the NCAA Tournament and earn national rankings. The 2003 Wildcat squad captured the BIG EAST title and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. McGirr assisted with the organizing and coaching of the in-season training and the off-season player development at Villanova. He also worked on scouting and video editing.

Prior to coaching at Villanova, McGirr served as an assistant coach at Loyola College for one season (2002) and he served as a volunteer coach at Rutgers in 2001, helping to guide the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Tournament. He also was the men's assistant coach at Lafayette College in 2000.

McGirr also has extensive experience coaching at the club level. From 1997-2002, he was the head coach for the New Jersey Olympic Development Program. In addition, he was the coach for Wyckoff Torpedoes Under-19 Girls Club Team (1998-2001), head coach at the Player Development Academy for the under-17 boys team (2000-02) and the technical director/assistant coach at the Baltimore Bays Under-14 Girls Club Team (2002-03). Most recently, he was the director of coaching for FC Delco Girls Soccer Club, a position he has held since 2003.

He started his coaching career as the head coach of the boys team at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, N.J. He coached Bergen Catholic from 1995-99 and led the team to the 1999 New Jersey Parochial "A" State title.

A 1992 graduate of Rider, McGirr played varsity soccer for three seasons for the Broncs.