Mike Brizendine

Now entering his 17th season as head coach of Virginia Tech men’s soccer, Mike Brizendine has guided the Hokies to unprecedented heights, transforming the program into one of the ACC’s most respected and consistent contenders. Since taking over in 2009, Brizendine has led Tech to six NCAA Tournament appearances (2016–2021), including four Sweet Sixteens and an Elite Eight run in 2016 — achievements that place the Hokies among the nation’s elite programs. Between 2016 and 2021, Virginia Tech was one of only three programs nationally (alongside Indiana and Wake Forest) to win at least one NCAA Tournament game in each appearance. Brizendine’s squads have also recorded signature victories over multiple No. 1-ranked teams, including Marshall (2021), Notre Dame (2017), North Carolina (2011), and Duke (2004). His player development success is reflected in the professional ranks. In 2021, Daniel Pereira became the first overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft — the first in Virginia Tech history — selected by Austin FC, while Kristo Strickler went in the second round to Houston Dynamo FC. In recent years, Hokies Ben Martino (Nashville SC) and Danny Flores (Sporting KC) have also signed MLS first-team contracts. In total, Brizendine has coached 22 players who have gone on to play professionally, including six MLS draftees. Brizendine’s teams are equally accomplished academically, earning the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award multiple times for maintaining a team GPA above 3.0. His commitment to character, discipline, and holistic player growth has become a cornerstone of the program’s culture. Before becoming head coach in 2009, Brizendine served as a Virginia Tech assistant coach (2004–09) under Oliver Weiss, helping the Hokies to their first-ever College Cup appearance in 2007. He was named the NSCAA Atlantic Region Assistant Coach of the Year that season. Earlier in his career, Brizendine was head men’s soccer coach at Bridgewater College (2001–03), where he earned ODAC Coach of the Year honors in 2003 after guiding the Eagles to back-to-back winning seasons and establishing the program as a competitive Division III side. He began his coaching journey as an assistant at Ferrum College (1999) and Bridgewater College (2000). As a player, Brizendine starred at James Madison University (1995–98), graduating sixth all-time in career scoring for the Dukes while earning all-conference and all-region honors. He went on to play professionally with the Roanoke Wrath (1999) and Northern Virginia Royals (2000–01). A native of McLean, Virginia, Brizendine holds a B.A. in Religion from James Madison University (1999) and a Master’s in Education from Virginia Tech (2005). He and his wife, Lucy, live in Blacksburg with their three daughters, Sloane, Reece, and Millie.