LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Head Coach Colm McFeely, a cornerstone of Occidental College's Women's Soccer program, has announced his retirement, effective January 6, 2026. 

McFeely has been a pivotal figure in Occidental soccer since 1992, when he began his tenure as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's teams. He took the reins as head coach of both programs in 2002 and later focused solely on the women's team from 2007 onwards. Additionally, McFeely served as an assistant athletic director, contributing significantly to the athletic department's administration.

During his remarkable 32-year career at Occidental, McFeely led the women's soccer team to numerous achievements, including a memorable SCIAC Tournament Championship victory in 2018. Under his leadership, the team achieved a record of 140-150-51. In his final season in 2025, McFeely guided the team to the SCIAC tournament for the first time since 2021, winning the first-round game against Chapman, marking the Tigers' first tournament win since 2018. The team concluded the season with an 8-7-2 record.

Reflecting on his career, McFeely shared, "The most rewarding part in coaching was working with talented student-athletes who were in love with the game, those who worked at their game when no-one else was watching. More often than not there was a visible joy in how they went about playing and training, a drive and passion that set them apart - wonderful memories to cherish."

Beyond the pitch, McFeely's roles extended to overseeing the baseball, soccer, and golf programs, serving as the department's liaison to dining services, and coordinating student housing. His commitment to the institution and its students has left a lasting impact.

McFeely's passion for soccer extends beyond coaching. Before his tenure at Occidental, he enjoyed a successful 17-year playing career, participating in approximately 500 competitive games in Ireland, Australia, and Hong Kong. His accomplishments include winning an Irish Division I league championship medal and playing in the European Champions' Cup Competition. As a coach, he founded the Hong Kong Harps Football Club, leading them from Division 3 to Division I status, a unique achievement in Hong Kong's soccer history.

In his reflections, McFeely also highlighted personal memories associated with Occidental, stating, "On the non-soccer side, every time I walk through the quad I can picture my daughter Sheena in 2007 getting married by the fountain and the wonderful evening we had in Branca Patio afterwards."

Expressing gratitude toward those who have been part of his journey, McFeely noted, "Of course, Oxy is a stunningly beautiful location and my memory is seared within so many of those areas. However, it is the people, coaches, staff, students, faculty, from all areas of the campus that I will remember most. High on my list are our women's soccer alumni, many of whom I am so grateful to for their friendship especially, and their outstanding support over so many years. I remain in touch with many of them and look forward to learning more about them and their families in the years ahead."

In conclusion, McFeely expressed his anticipation for the future, "My wife, Susan, has been amazing through all these years of the many long hours devoted to my passion for the game and Oxy soccer. Susan and I are looking forward to spending lots of time with our granddaughters and family, catching up with other family members plus further afield friends and doing a little traveling."

Occidental College Athletics extends its deepest gratitude to Colm McFeely for his decades of service and dedication to the institution and its athletes. His contributions have been invaluable, and he will be greatly missed by the Occidental community.