James Franklin, a former head coach at Vassar College and Norwich University, and assistant coach at the University of Vermont, enters his fourth season as the head coach of the Saint Michael's men's soccer program in 2011. In three seasons at the helm of the Purple Knights, Franklin has compiled a 23-19-10 record (.538 win percentage), one of just two coaches in program history to have a winning overall record. His overall record in seven years as a collegiate head coach is 61-54-12 (.528 win percentage).

In 2010, Franklin guided Saint Michael's to a 7-6-4 record, including a 6-2-2 home mark. The team earned a regional ranking during the season, as it marked the program's second winning season under Franklin, and just the 12th winning campaign in the program's 51-year history (and fourth in the last 21 years). As a result, he was named Saint Michael's Coach of the Year at the College's Block "M" Awards Dinner on May 5, 2011 (Franklin was also named the College's Co-Coach of the Year after his first season at Saint Michael's).

In 2009, Franklin led the Purple Knights to a 9-5-3 record, including a 5-2-1 mark in away contests. Only three teams in program history have won more games in a season than Franklin and the Purple Knights did in 2009.

Franklin led the team to a 7-8-3 record in his first season in 2008, including a 5-3-2 mark at home. Only one other coach in program history has won more games in his first season as head coach.

In announcing Franklin's hiring on April 28, 2008, Director of Athletics Geri Knortz said, "We are extremely fortunate to have someone of James' experience and accomplishments join the Saint Michael's athletics department and lead our men's soccer program. He is a talented coach and a great fit for Saint Michael's College."

"I would like to thank Geri Knortz and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to lead the men's soccer program at Saint Michael's College," said Franklin at the time of his hiring. "It is a privilege to take over the program from Coach Wade Jean, who has transformed the program into a regionally competitive team. I will work hard to continue to build on the team's recent success, and I cannot wait to get started."

Franklin, a native of Staffordshire, England, has 13 years of collegiate coaching experience. Most recently, Franklin served as an assistant coach for the UVM women's soccer program in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, helping the NCAA Division I Catamounts qualify for the America East Conference playoffs in 2006.

Prior to joining UVM, Franklin was men's soccer head coach at Norwich University from 2003-06. He rebuilt the NCAA Division III program in just three seasons, taking the Cadets from a 6-13-0 record in his first season to a 13-6-1 record in his final season at Norwich. Franklin also served as the men's tennis head coach at Norwich, and directed the university's NCAA Life Skills program.

Before arriving at Norwich, Franklin served as head coach of men's soccer and assistant athletic director for facilities at Division III Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Franklin spent two years as an assistant coach at Vassar prior to being promoted to head coach, and in 2002 was named the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (now the Liberty League) Coach of the Year after guiding the Brewers to an 11-7-0 overall record.

Franklin played collegiate soccer at nearby Champlain College, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Following his collegiate career, he stayed at Champlain to serve as an assistant coach with both the men's and women's soccer programs. Franklin has also played professionally with Crewe Alexandra in his native England, as well as with the Vermont Voltage.

At Saint Michael's, Franklin also serves as the College's Tickets Manager and Events Supervisor, helping oversee athletic contests during the winter and spring sport seasons.

Franklin's Year-by-Year Results