UIC soccer coach leaves to take job with Wisconsin

University of Illinois-Chicago men's soccer coach John Trask has resigned to become the head men's soccer coach at the University of Wisconsin, effective immediately.

"Our men's soccer program has risen to national prominence in a short amount of time thanks to John, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best in his future endeavors," UIC athletic director Jim Schmidt said Wednesday in a statement released to the media.

Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez called Trask "a perfect fit" for the Badgers.

"He has had tremendous success as a coach on the collegiate level as well as the professional level. His familiarity with the Big Ten as both a player and assistant coach will be a great asset for our team."

Trask, who spent the past five seasons at UIC, becomes the sixth head coach in the 34-year history of the Wisconsin program.

Trask brings 14 years of collegiate coaching experience - along with five seasons spent in Major League Soccer ranks - to Madison. Most recently, he helped the UIC program claim three Horizon League championships and qualify for NCAA tournament play each season from 2006 to 2008.

Over that span, Trask's teams posted a record of 38-13-17 (.648).

Known for his defensive mentality, Trask's UIC teams recorded 38 shutouts between 2006 and 2008.

Schmidt said UIC will hire a head coach "who can continue to cultivate a team that is a perennial contender for Horizon League championships and NCAA tournament success."

"UIC will always be a special place to me," Trask said. "UIC couldn't have been a better fit, and this is one of the only jobs I would have left for. Even though I will no longer be at UIC, the biggest UIC fan will be John Trask."

Trask went 54-24-26 in five seasons at UIC.