Head women’s soccer coach David Poggi resigned from Loyola Wednesday.

He has accepted the position of head men’s soccer coach at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.

“We want to thank coach Poggi for all he did under challenging circumstances, and we wish him and his family the best at the University of the South,” said Michael Giorlando, Loyola’s athletic director.

Poggi had signed on to coach Loyola’s 2005 season, which was cancelled because of Hurricane Katrina. During that time, he served as a trainer for the Albertson Soccer Club of Long Island, N.Y., and returned to coach for Loyola in the fall of 2006.

Before coming to Loyola, Poggi coached for the University of Louisiana-Lafayette from 2000 to 2005. He has also coached for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a NCAA Division I program, from 1992 until 1996.

“I am pleased that coach Poggi has agreed to accept the appointment of head men’s soccer coach,” said Mark Webb, Sewanee athletic director. “He has over 20 years experience coaching at both the NCAA and professional levels and will be an outstanding addition to the university.”

Poggi’s professional experience includes positions as head coach for the Utah Freezz and the Lafayette SwampCats of the Women’s Indoor Soccer League and Eastern Indoor Soccer League, respectively, from 1997 to 2000. He is involved with Louisiana’s Olympic Development Program.

“This was a very difficult decision. My wife and I will miss the city of New Orleans and all our family and friends. Loyola has been very supportive of my efforts to create a rewarding and competitive environment for the soccer program. I want to thank Dr. Giorlando and the rest of the Wolfpack family for their support and wish them all continued success,” Poggi said.

Nicole Mundy can be reached at [email protected].