The Medgar Evers College Department of Athletics hired former men's soccer player Randy Urgiles as an assistant coach in August of 2024.
"Our department is excited to welcome Randy back to the Cougars athletic family, this time as an assistant coach," Murphy said. "Having played for our men's soccer team in the past, he understands the dynamic of the student-athletes at our institution. Randy is a passionate and proud individual who works hard and enjoys challenges. We consider him a tremendous addition to our staff, and we're excited to see him get to work."
Urgiles is very familiar with the CUNY Athletic Conference, having spent one season as a member of the Cougars, and three more playing for borough rival Brooklyn College. A standout defender, he appeared in 53 intercollegiate contests (14 for the Cougars, 39 for the Bulldogs), earning Second Team All-Star status in 2021. Brooklyn College qualified for the CUNYAC postseason every season while Urgiles was on the squad, with the team reaching the semifinals his senior season.
Following his playing career, Urgiles' love of soccer continued as he joined the coaching ranks, becoming an assistant at the high school he graduated from – Williamsburg Charter. While there, the team advanced to the semifinal round of the playoffs twice, and the championship game once.
Urgiles' main responsibilities while at Williamsburg Charter included training the players and assisting them in managing ball control, while also constructing and implementing offensive strategies.
Now at Medgar Evers, Urgiles looks forward to helping the team gradually improve and eventually solidify itself as a CUNYAC championship contender.
"First and foremost, I wanted to say that it's an honor being back here at Medgar Evers College," he said. "I've always had dreams of returning to the places I've played as a coach. In my mind, it's a way of "giving back", being a role model, and helping the younger student-athletes achieve different things on and off the pitch. I believe in setting small goals and achieving those, and then setting new goals. Our first goal is to build the camaraderie of the student-athletes, and have that camaraderie become chemistry. Once the chemistry develops, then the wins come. There will be lessons along the way, but we're excited about what the future could bring."
