James Drzewiecki informed the Purdue University Calumet men’s soccer team Friday afternoon that he was taking the head coaching job at USCAA-member Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C.
Purdue Calumet Director of Athletics Rick Costello will begin a national search for a new men’s soccer coach immediately.
"I want to thank James for his three years of service here and commend him on the way his team has grown and performed on the field, especially its recent berth into the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament semifinals," Costello said.
"Our task now at Purdue Calumet is to find a head coach to continue the men’s soccer program’s growth and success both on the field and most importantly, in the classroom.”
Drzewiecki led the Peregrines to a 21-23-5 overall record in the program’s first three seasons since being reinstated after a 15-year hiatus. Purdue Calumet finished with a 10-7-2 record this past fall, capped with a CCAC tournament-opening victory in the penalty round that sent the Peregrines to the semifinals.
"I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with my alma mater these past few years," Drzewiecki said. "That was a dream of mine for quite some time and it’s an opportunity most don’t get to experience.
"I'm going to sincerely miss working with these student-athletes – they mean the world to me and they are the most talented group I've ever been with. I'll miss Purdue Calumet, but I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead."