CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State University head men's soccer coach Kirk Harwat announced his resignation Tuesday afternoon.
Assistant coach Sinisa Ubiparipovic has been named Acting Head Coach, effective March 15.
Harwat plans to pursue career opportunities outside the realm of intercollegiate athletics.
"I would like to thank Cleveland State University and the athletic department for giving me the opportunity of leading the men's soccer program," Harwat said. "This was an extremely difficult decision for me and my family, but it is the right time to move on. I have made many great relationships at CSU and I have coached many amazing student athletes. I feel very confident in the position that I am leaving this program, and I know Sinisa will do a tremendous job at guiding this program as Acting Head Coach. I wish the entire department nothing but the best in the future! Go Vikes!"
Harwat has served on the Cleveland State men's soccer staff for the past seven seasons, including the past two as head coach. He made an immediate impact upon joining the program, helping the 2012 squad to the Horizon League Tournament title and the program's first berth in the NCAA Tournament in 32 years. Harwat helped the Vikings reach the Horizon League Tournament semifinals on four occasions and helped guide student-athletes to three HL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
"We're appreciative of all of Kirk's time and efforts on behalf of our men's soccer program," Associate Athletic Director Danielle Cohea said. "We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."
Ubiparipovic, who will take over the program on an acting basis, brought over a decade of professional playing experience upon joining the Cleveland State coaching staff. He appeared in over 200 professional soccer matches, including an even 100 in the Major League Soccer (MLS) ranks with New York Red Bulls and Montreal Impact. He attended both high school and college in northeast Ohio and is well connected in the Cleveland soccer community.
A native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ubiparipovic earned a Bachelor's degree from Akron in sociology and criminology in 2006.
