Alex Crozier, the only coach in Cal Poly Women’s Soccer Division I history, announced his retirement on Sunday through GoPoly.com after the 2024-2025 season.
Crozier has been head coach of Cal Poly’s women’s soccer program since 1979, when it was a club sport. He led the team through its transition from Division II to Division I. Since then, he has earned 319 victories, tying him for 23rd nationally in career victories among active Division I head coaches.
“I never could have imagined a better job. I have had the honor and pleasure of working alongside, coaching and meeting so many great people. I can’t thank Cal Poly and the administration enough for allowing me to be a part of this first-class university.” Crozier said, according to Gopoly.com.
During his 31 seasons, Crozier has guided the Mustangs to numerous achievements, including 10 regular-season conference titles, three Big West Tournament titles, six NCAA tournament appearances, and a record nine Big West championship matches. T
Crozier is the all-time leader in Big West Coach of the Year awards with six recognitions. He has the most victories among any coach in the conference all-time (125).
Players under Crozier have won All-Big-West team honors 140 times and All-West Region honors 41 times. Five of his players have gone on to sign professional contracts, most recently being Camille Lafaix in 2023.
Crozier has not only shared his knowledge with his players as one of the longest active tenured Division I coaches but also with Cal Poly athletics as a whole.
“Alex Crozier has been our ‘Dean of Coaches’ for many years now, and our entire athletics department will not only miss the knowledge he brings, but also his consistent and calming presence in all matters,” Cal Poly Director of Athletics Don Oberhelman said in a release on gopoly.com.
Following his final season with the Mustangs, Crozier believes he will leave the program better than he found it.
“We’ve been preaching to our athletes to leave their jersey in a better place than where they found it, and I honestly believe that I will be leaving this program in the same manner,” Crozier said (Gopoly.com) “I can’t predict the future, but I see big things ahead for this program, not only this coming fall, but for years to come. Go Mustangs!”
The Mustangs’ final campaign under coach Crozier will begin on Thursday, Aug. 15, against Portland at Mustang Memorial Field Presented by French Hospital.