John Garvilla, who built the Milligan College women’s soccer program into a NAIA powerhouse, has been named as Troy State’s new head soccer coach.

"I am real excited about being a part of the Troy State family," Garvilla said. "The Troy State administration is committed to winning, and the soccer program looks to be a recipient of this commitment."

Garvilla has served as the women’s head coach at the Johnson City, Tenn., school for the last five seasons, compiling a 92-38-6 record. He guided Milligan to the 2001 Appalachian Athletic Conference title and Region XII Championship. His women’s squads reached the conference finals in four straight years from 1998-2001, capturing three conference titles. He was named NAIA Region XII Women’s 2001"Coach of the Year" after helping the Lady Buffs finish 18-3-3 and advance to the NAIA National Tournament while finishing the year ranked 12th in the nation. Garvilla also served as men’s head coach at Milligan from 1997-2000, compiling a 59-52-4 record and two conference championships.

Prior to his five seasons at Milligan, Garvilla served as men and women’s head coach at Montreat College in North Carolina from 1995-96, compiling a 28-35-3 mark. Garvilla also served as assistant men’s coach at Winthrop from 1986-1988 and Francis Marion from 1988-1990.

"We believe that Coach Garvilla is perfect for our soccer program," Troy State Athletics Director Johnny Williams said. "His credentials and past success are impressive. With the talent already here, the new soccer/track facility and Coach Garvilla’s abilities, the soccer program has a bright future to look forward to."

Collegiately, Garvilla played four years at Winthrop on the Eagle soccer team from 1979-1983, where he also earned a bachelor of science in business administration and a master of arts in teaching. Garvilla also played professionally for Falmouth in the Cape Cod Soccer League from 1984-85.

Garvilla will take over a program that finished 11-8 in 2001, replacing three-year coach Qasim Sheikh. The Lady Trojans made great strides last season, setting a school record for victories during a season while gaining their first Atlantic Sun Conference victory. The Lady Trojans finished with a 4-6 conference record, narrowly missing the conference tournament.

"This soccer program has enormous potential," Garvilla said. "The previous coach left on good terms and left a lot of talent. Success is in the immediate future."

Sheikh resigned in April, accepting the head job of the men’s soccer program at his alma mater, the University of the South. He coached the Lady Trojans for three years.