Torrance, CA (April 20, 2015): Bishop Montgomery alumnus Sigi Schmid '71 has received the highest honor in United States soccer with his election to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Schmid is currently the head coach of the Seattle Sounders of Major League Soccer and is the winningest coach in MLS history.
While at Bishop Montgomery, Schmid competed in track for the Knights. There was no soccer program while he attended BMHS. Following his graduation, Schmid went on to star at UCLA, where he was a four-year starter for the Bruins. He earned his degree in economics in 1976.
In 1974, Schmid, along with Marine Cano, started the soccer program at BMHS. Schmid was the Co-Head Coach for two years at BMHS and helped lead the Knights to the CIF playoffs in both years he coached. His overall coaching record at BMHS was 25-11-2, including the 1974-75 league title, the first in program history.
After graduating from college, Schmid became the most successful soccer coach in UCLA history, with a 19-year career record of 322-63-33 record (1980-1999). He led the Bruins to 16 consecutive post-season appearances and three national titles (1985, 1990, 1997). He was also an assistant coach on the 1994 World Cup team and the head coach of the U-20 National Team at the 1998 World Youth Championships. In 2004, he was inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame.
Following his tenure at UCLA, Schmid become the head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy, where he coached from 1999-2004. He led the Galaxy to the title of every major club championship in the United States, including the 2002 MLS Cup Championship. He was named the 1999 MLS Coach of the Year.
From 2006-2008, Schmid was the head coach of the Columbus Crew, leading them to the 2008 MLS Cup Championship and earning MLS Coach of the Year honors again.
In December of 2008, Schmid was named head coach of the Seattle Sounders, having led the team to the playoffs every season.