July 2, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Former St. Bonaventure and Wake Forest goalkeeper Rob Vartughian has joined the Maryland men's soccer staff as the Terps' new goalkeeping coach. Vartughian comes to the Terps squad from Penn, where he was an assistant last season.

"I am delighted to add Rob to our coaching staff. Rob was an outstanding player for my former assistant Bob Butehorn at St. Bonaventure and then continued that success at Wake for his senior year," said Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski. "He did an outstanding job at Penn last season. He brings enthusiasm, loyalty, and a great work ethic to our program. He also has a tremendous appetite for the game in addition to his specialty of goalkeeper training."

Vartughian was a Bonnie from 1996-99 and graduated in 2000 with a bachelor of science in accounting and a bachelor of science in finance before heading to Wake Forest to began graduate work in education. During his time at St. Bonaventure, this New Jersey native played with the Premier Development League's New Jersey Riptide (1997-98) and New Brunswick Brigade (1999). Before playing for the Demon Deacons for his final college season, he trained with the NY/NJ Metrostars.

"I am really grateful and humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the program here at Maryland," commented Vartughian. "To be back in the ACC, now as a coach, is really exciting for me and I can't wait for this coming season."

His college coaching career began in 2001 when he joined the Pennsylvania staff. Vartughian spent two years as both the men's and women's goalkeeping instructor, and also served as an assistant coach in 2002 at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach. While at Penn, his Quaker keepers earned both All-American honors as well as Ivy League player of the year accolades.

Vartughian's playing career has also taken him for stops at the Philadelphia Kixx of the Major Indoor Soccer League and both the Hampton Roads Mariners and Charleston Battery's A-League teams. He spent 2001 with the South Jersey Barons Division III United Soccer League team. His other coaching experience includes being the director of goalkeeper training at the Elite 300 Soccer Academy.

TRANSACTIONS: Rob Vartughian hired as the University of Maryland's assistant men's soccer coach.