Antoniewicz Accepts Head Coach Position at USC Upstate

HARTSVILLE, SC. - Coker Men's Soccer Head Coach Michael Antoniewicz has accepted the head coaching position at USC Upstate, Coker Athletics Director Lynn Griffin announced today. 

Antoniewicz finished his sixth season leading Coker to one of their most successful seasons in the programs history. He led the team to 15 wins on the season, and a birth in the sweet 16. 

"I want to thank Michael for the leadership he has given to Coker men's soccer and Coker University, said Griffin. "He brought Coker men's soccer back to the national spotlight and did that with excellence and integrity.  USC Upstate is getting a great coach and person and we will miss Michael and his family."

During his six-year run at the helm of the Cobras, he led Coker to a 51-31-16. This past season, Coker finished tied for first earning a share of the SAC regular season title. The Cobras then won their first round game in the NCAA Tournament over Auburn University-Montgomery in thrilling fashion. 

"These last 6 years has been an amazing journey, that I will remember forever," said Antoniewicz. "I want to thank Dr. Lynn Griffin and the rest of the administration for taking a chance on me, and giving me the opportunity. A massive thank you to the alumni for all your support and I hope we made you proud of our program. Lastly, a massive thank you to all the players and staff, past and present, that I was able to work with. Every season was an honor to be your coach and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to work with an amazing group every year."

Michael coached the 2021-2022 team to a SAC Tournament Championship defeating Mars Hill 2-1 in double OT. 

This past season, Michael coached multiple players to numerous awards. Matty Tricker and Frederic Benedix were named All-Americans this season, while Tricker earned Defensive Player of the Year in the SAC. In addition to Tricker, Oskar Kaufmann earned Freshman of the Year, and Antoniewicz won Coach of the Year. Coker put eight players on the All-SAC team in the 2024 campaign. 

Coker set multiple records this season posting a 13 game unbeaten streak to end the regular season. The Cobras rattled off 10 consecutive wins in 2024, and went to the sweet 16 for the first time in the Division II era. 

A national search for the next Head Coach of the Coker Men's Soccer program will begin immediately. 

#GoCobras