UT-Permian Basin’s Peterson retires after longest coaching stint in school history

Peterson led the Falcons to 76 victories since the program joined the NCAA in 2007

UT-Permian Basin Men’s Head Soccer Coach Dennis Peterson has retired after 22 seasons, the longest stint as a coach in the university’s history.

The university’s athletics department published the announcement on Thursday.

“Family is incredibly important to me, and now I think it’s the right time to step away and be with them,” said Peterson.  “One of my greatest honors as a coach was being able to coach my sons Cody and Gage for eight of my 22 seasons. I’m very thankful for the time I got to spend on the pitch working with student-athletes and the opportunity to do so for 22 years.”

Peterson led the Falcons to 76 victories since the program joined the NCAA in 2007. In 2017, the Falcons won a program record nine games and made their first NCAA postseason appearance. Peterson previously had a successful career coaching at the club level. He became friends with then UT-Permian Basin Director of Athletics Dr. Steve Aicinena before joining the Falcons as head coach in 2000. Peterson had his most successful season in 2005, winning the Heartland regular season championship and being named conference Coach of the Year.

Peterson also coached the women’s team from 2004-12, where he was named the 2007 Heartland Conference Coach of the Year and won 32 NCAA games. He is the program’s all-time winningest coach, according to UTPB.

“We very much appreciate Dennis’ years of service to both UTPB soccer programs,” said Director of Athletics Todd Dooley. “His impact on the athletic department, the University, and especially the lives of our student-athletes, both on and off the field cannot be overstated.  We all wish him the best of luck in retirement.”

Added former Director of Athletics (2017-20) Scott Farmer, Peterson “has enjoyed a long, rich career in which he helped countless student-athletes. Dennis was always quick to help throughout the department.  From driving the bus for other teams, to working the scorer’s table at basketball, you could always count on Coach Peterson.  I truly wish him well in retirement.”

Associate Head Coach Victor Domingues has taken over the program as interim head coach.