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UE to Celebrate the Life and Impact of Legendary Coach Mick Lyon '89 During Soccer Alumni Weekend

Evansville, Ind. (07/21/2025) — This August, the University of Evansville (UE) will honor one of its most impactful alumni, Michael "Mick" Lyon '89, during a special Soccer Alumni Weekend filled with remembrance, camaraderie, and celebration. The weekend, set for Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, at McCutchan Stadium includes two halftime tributes and a special alumni game.

Mick Lyon, a Hall of Fame player and pioneering coach for the Purple Aces, passed away in January 2025 at the age of 61 following a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. His story is one of fearless vision, deep community roots, and enduring impact, both on and off the field.

Originally from Lincolnshire, England, Lyon arrived at the University of Evansville in the mid-1980s on a soccer scholarship, joining the team in time to help lead a historic run to the NCAA Final Four in 1985. He was the first-ever three-time team MVP in program history and helped lead UE to a national No. 1 ranking and an NCAA Final Four appearance in 1985. Lyon graduated with a degree in physical education in 1989 and soon returned to his alma mater to coach.

In 1993, Lyon made history as the first head coach of UE women's soccer, launching a program that would dominate the Missouri Valley Conference for the better part of a decade. Under his leadership, the Lady Aces claimed nine conference titles and three NCAA Tournament berths. Lyon was named MVC Coach of the Year three times and earned a place in the UE Athletics Hall of Fame, the MVC Hall of Fame, and the Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame.

But beyond the wins, Lyon built something even more lasting, a sense of family, belief, and shared purpose.

"Not only did he create a winning culture, but he created a family," said Krissy Meek-Engelbrecht '00, former player and fellow MVC Hall of Famer. "He was a father figure to all of us We are all blessed for being a part of what he created."

Alumni Weekend: A Tribute in Two Halves

The 2025 Soccer Alumni Weekend will spotlight Lyon's indelible contributions in two heartfelt halftime ceremonies:

  • Saturday, August 30: Men's and Women's Soccer Alumni Game, a gathering of former players and friends who helped build the Purple Aces legacy.
  • Sunday, August 31, 2:00 p.m.: The women's soccer team will honor Mick Lyon as a coach during halftime.
  • Sunday, August 31, 6:00 p.m.: The men's soccer team will recognize Mick Lyon as a player during halftime.

All events during the weekend will be hosted at McCutchan Stadium. Between games, attendees will enjoy a cookout and tailgate, a fitting tribute to a coach who believed in camaraderie as much as competition.

The sentiment among the UE soccer community is clear. Mick Lyon taught generations of players how to lead with integrity and live with purpose.

"Mick Lyon was the kind of player every coach dreams of, fierce in competition, thoughtful in leadership, and devoted to the team. As a coach, he carried those same values forward, building not just a program, but a family," said former UE men's soccer coach, Fred Schmalz. "He understood what it meant to build something that lasts. His spirit, his strength, and his joy for the game still echo through this program and this campus. Coaching is about more than winning games. Mick knew that. He built a culture of belief, character, and heart that continues on!"

A Champion of Changemaking

Mick Lyon's courage extended well beyond the field. Diagnosed with MS in 2004, he continued to coach at Indiana University for eight more seasons, refusing to let his condition define him. He became a vocal advocate for MS awareness, fundraising and speaking out to help others facing the disease. His resilience inspired thousands.

After leaving UE to become head coach at Indiana University, Lyon remained a proud Purple Ace. He was always a loyal fan, often returning to support the Lady Aces, mentoring former teammates, and staying connected to the soccer community that shaped him. As a coach, mentor, husband, and friend, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the programs he built.

All members of the UE community, including alumni, fans, and friends, are invited to attend and celebrate the life of Mick Lyon. To learn more or RSVP, please click here.

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.

Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

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