UMBC

Bio

	Michelle Salmon
	Position: Head Coach Alma Mater: Maryland, 1997

Michelle Salmon enters her fifth year as the Retriever head coach. A former All-American at Maryland, Salmon served as UMBC's assistant coach in 1999 before being appointed head coach prior to the 2000 season.

During her first year at UMBC, the Retrievers finished 6-9-3, and failed to qualify for the Northeast Conference Tournament. However, in 2001, the Retrievers made an impressive turnaround by transforming themselves into NEC Finalists, finishing the year at 11-6-2. A similar turnaround was apparent last season when UMBC bounced back from a 5-11-1 record in their last season in the Northeast Conference to a 7-8-1 record and a playoff berth during their first year in the America East.  

This year, Salmon brings in ten newcomers for a total 17 underclassmen in the squad. Still, she believes that youth should not be mistaken for inexperience. “Not only do many of these players have a season under their belt, but they know what it feels like to be in the conference tournament,” she said. “The upperclassmen’s leadership taken with the newcomers’ talents should allow us to be an improved team.” 

Currently, Salmon is a senior regional staff member of the United States Youth Soccer Association, where she helps evaluate players’ development and impact on the regional scene. This past summer, she also served as the Assistant Coach for the United States Soccer Foundation’s Under-15 “Developmental” National Team, and analyzed and evaluated the nation’s best talent during games and practice sessions. 

Salmon also brings plenty of playing experience to the UMBC program. From 1997 through 1998, she captained the Maryland Terrapins, and led them to NCAA Tournament appearances in 1995, 1996, and 1997. In 1996, she was selected as a pre-season All-American candidate, and later finished her outstanding career as the Terrapins' second all-time leader in assists. Furthermore, she participated on the United States Olympic Festival squad in 1998, and represented the United States as a member of the Under-20 National team from 1993-1995, as well as the Under 16 Team in 1991. Salmon, who was a high school All-American at Old Mill, still holds the Anne Arundel County scoring record with 90 goals and 15 assists.

A 1998 Maryland graduate with Bachelor’s Degrees in Government & Politics and Criminology & Criminal Justice, Salmon has made it clear that academics are extremely important for her players and has set a goal of making her program synonymous with combining success on the field as well as in the classroom. "I want our players and all of our future players to realize what a special place UMBC is,” she said. “Our institution is an extremely friendly place in a great location. Professors get to know the students and the school does a tremendous job of helping kids obtain jobs after they graduate. Gaining a degree from UMBC speaks volumes. This school has a great reputation and it's only getting better."