Parkins Resigns as Urbana Head Men’s Soccer Coach
Accepts job with Columbus Crew
URBANA, Ohio (March 13, 2008) – Urbana University Director of Athletics Doug Young today announced the resignation of head men’s soccer coach Jeremy Parkins. Parkins has accepted the position as Director of Soccer Business Development for Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, effective March 24.

Parkins coached the Blue Knight men's soccer team during the 2007 season, leading the Urbana squad to the 2007 American Mideast Conference Fair Play Award.

“I truly enjoyed my time here. The guys on the team had nothing but positive attitudes and that is the hardest part about leaving; seeing the progress they’ve made and developing the relationships with them,” said Parkins. “Having to walk away from that is not easy by any means.

“I would like to thank the University and Mr. Young for the opportunity they have afforded me over the past year,” he added. “I wish the University and the men’s soccer program nothing but success in the future.”

Parkins will work primarily with the Crew Juniors and the Crew Soccer Academy, the premier youth player development programs of the Columbus Crew. He will have a major role in the Crew soccer camps which are held throughout the year. Parkins will also be involved in game-day operations, in addition to handling player speaking engagements and appearances at community events.

“To be involved with a professional organization at this level is hard to pass up,” said Parkins. “I think mine are similar to an athlete’s goals; you want to strive to be at the top level. This opportunity the Crew has given me is a step in that direction.”

Parkins has been with the Columbus Crew in some capacity since 2003. He played two seasons on the MLS team and, in addition to coaching the Blue Knight men’s soccer team in 2007, he was also coach of the U-17 Crew Juniors squad for the past two seasons.

“I don’t think that I would be where I am today without the opportunities I’ve had from the Crew,” added Parkins. “For them to offer this position is an opportunity for me to give back and also to begin my professional career with the organization that helped me get my start.”

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