DARTMOUTH, Mass. - UMass Dartmouth women's soccer coach Alex Silva stepped down from his position today, according to an announcement made by Athletic Director Ian Day.

UMass Dartmouth will begin an immediate search to replace Silva, who held the position for 12 seasons and compiled an overall record of 71-121-18. Silva was only the second coach in program history. UMass Dartmouth men's coach Ray Cabral was the women's coach beginning in 1988 when the program was elevated to varsity status. Cabral stepped down after the 1995 season and Silva took over the position.

"We appreciate all the time and effort Alex Silva put into the women's soccer program over the last 12 seasons," said Day in announcing Silva's decision. "He always cared very deeply for his student-athletes, both on an off the field, and his contributions to their well-being were always very obvious."

Day said that a search for a new women's soccer coach will begin immediately.

"I had a great run at UMass Dartmouth and I'm leaving behind a great group of players and colleagues in the Athletic Department," said Silva, who owns Silva's, a retail sporting goods store specializing in custom printing in Fall River. "I only wish we had more success on the field. I leave with nothing but good memories and I appreciate the opportunity to coach such wonderful student-athletes."

One of the highlights of Silva's coaching career was earning Little East Conference Coach of the Year after the 2003 season. Silva's best season was 2004 when the Corsairs posted a 10-8-1 overall record and appeared in its fourth straight Little East Conference Tournament and was invited to the ECAC New England Division III Tournament.

Silva brought plenty of strong credentials as both a player and coach to the UMass Dartmouth women's soccer program. Following four years of playing varsity soccer at Stoughton High School, Silva played for two seasons at Massasoit Community College in Brockton. His teams twice played in national championship tournaments, winning both the 1986 and 1987 National Junior College Athletic Association national championship.

After graduating from Massasoit CC in 1988, Silva played semi-professional soccer for CLC Club in Stoughton from 1990 to 1993 and Taunton Sports Club in 1994. He also coached soccer at several different levels since 1989. Silva is a member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the U.S. Soccer Coaches Association.

Prior to coming to UMass Dartmouth, Silva had been the varsity soccer coach at Stoughton High, beginning in 1989. In 1996, Silva coached with the Olympic Development Program in Rhode Island and was an assistant for the WUSISL professional team, the Rhode Island Lady Rays.

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