Kansas State’s program is saying goodbye to head coach, who has led the Wildcats since the team’s inception. After nine seasons as head coach, he is stepping down to prioritize his health. “Due to some health concerns that I have dealt with over the last 18-to-24 months, I have decided to step away from K-State soccer to focus on my health,”
Dibbini said in a statement from K-State. “It has been an honor to be the first soccer head coach at K-State. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish during the building process of this program over the last 10-plus years. The current and former players that have been here will always have a special place in my heart.”
Dibbini’s tenure saw Kansas State transition from a fledgling team to a respected competitor in the Big 12. He led the program through its early struggles, helping establish a solid foundation for future success. Under his leadership, the Wildcats secured numerous milestones, including their first conference wins and standout individual performances.
“Building this program from scratch has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career,” Dibbini said in a statement. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and excited to see how the program continues to evolve.”
The Wildcats experienced a mix of highs and challenges under Dibbini. While consistent victories against top-tier conference opponents proved elusive, the team demonstrated significant growth, often giving strong showings against tough competition. Dibbini’s efforts to recruit promising talent and foster team culture were critical during this development phase.
Athletic Director Gene Taylor expressed his gratitude for Dibbini’s contributions. “Mike’s dedication and passion for K-State Soccer have been evident from day one,” Taylor noted. “He laid the groundwork and set the standard for this program. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
Assistant coaches will oversee day-to-day operations until a permanent replacement is named. The university has announced that a nationwide search will begin immediately to identify a new head coach who can continue building on the progress made over the past nine years.
Dibbini leaves with an indelible impact on Kansas State soccer, having guided the program through its formative years and instilled a competitive edge that will serve as a platform for its next era of growth.
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