April 26, 2006
Bobby Graham resigns as Women's Soccer Coach
Methodist alum served seven seasons as head coach

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Bobby Graham announced on Wednesday his formal resignation as the Women's Soccer Coach at Methodist College to pursue other interests. Graham's last day at Methodist will be May 26th.

Graham served seven seasons as head coach for the Monarchs.  He returned to Methodist, has alma mater, in 1999 after serving as an assistant at Lenoir Ryne.  During his tenure his teams went 68-58-9 including the 2003 season in which his team finished 12-6-1 as USA South Conference Champions.  For his efforts that season, Graham was named as the USA South Conference Coach of the Year.

As a player at Methodist, Graham was a four-year starter (1984-87) for both head coaches Mason Sykes and Alan Dawson. The two-year team co-captain earned second team All-USA South Athletic Conference distinction in 1987. He received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Methodist in 1988.

Graham is also responsible for initiating the annual Cup of Life Women's Soccer Showcase at Methodist College which features games between the nation's elite NCAA Division-I teams such as North Carolina, Florida, Old Dominion, and Duke.

Known as an energetic, passionate, hard working, and fun-loving leader, Graham leaves behind a solid program that has finished near the top of the conference the last six seasons.

"I have no regrets," Graham said of his decision to move on, "it has been a wonderful seven years filled with fond memories."  Graham noted that watching his student-athletes graduate was always a highlight of his time at Methodist.  "I never looked at it as a job," he said, "I considered it my love and my passion"

Family was a big reason for Graham to step down.  "I'm sad to be leaving the Methodist family," Graham said, "but happy for my own family."

"I want to thank Bob McEvoy for giving me this opportunity to come home", Graham said referring to his hiring in 1999, over ten years after he starred as a student-athlete for the  Monarchs.  "This is where I grew up as a student-athlete and Methodist College is still a class act.  I've been proud to have been able to serve on this coaching staff"

Athletics Director Bob McEvoy responded, "Bobby Graham and his women's soccer program represented Methodist College in great fashion both on the field and in the classroom. Bobby was one of the most enthusiastic and passionate coaches I have ever know when it came to his love for Methodist College and his soccer program. We will certainly miss Bobby and wish him well in his future endeavors."