Virginia head men’s soccer coach George Gelnovatch has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him at the University of Virginia through December 2031, according to a May 1 announcement by Director of Athletics Carla Williams.
Williams said, “George has had an immense impact on UVA men’s soccer and college soccer. He continues to set the standard with sustained success at the highest level, and his understanding of today’s college soccer landscape provides tremendous confidence in the future of Virginia men’s soccer.”
Gelnovatch recently completed his 30th season as head coach. In the past season, he was named Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year after leading Virginia to an unbeaten conference record and an ACC regular season title. The Cavaliers reached the ACC Championship Final in 2025 and have advanced to the conference semifinals three times in four years. The team earned a No. 2 overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament and is one of only three programs nationally to receive a first-round bye each of the last four tournaments.
In response to his extension, Gelnovatch said, “I want to thank Carla Williams and the administration for their trust and continued support of our program. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a successful athletic department over the years — first as a student-athlete, and now as a coach.” He added, “I’m equally thankful for every team and every player I’ve had the privilege of coaching — and for the way this school and program have helped shape their lives. We have an incredible, supportive alumni base and a rich tradition of winning here, and I’m going to continue to do everything I can to honor and build on that tradition.”
Since taking over as head coach in 1996, Gelnovatch has compiled an overall record of 395-165-79 with notable achievements including two NCAA championships (2009, 2014), six College Cup appearances, five ACC tournament titles, four ACC regular season titles, and participation in twenty-eight NCAA tournaments. As reported by university officials in their release Friday (May 1), he ranks fifth among active Division I men’s coaches in career wins with a .680 winning percentage.
Gelnovatch began his coaching career at Virginia as an assistant in 1989 after playing for UVA as an All-American student-athlete. Over more than three decades at Virginia—first as player then coach—he has been involved with all seven national championships won by Cavaliers men’s soccer.
