Mitchell Mourns Loss of Warren Swanson
NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College community is in mourning following the loss of former men's soccer coach, Athletic Director, and Hall of Fame Class of 1991 inductee, Warren Swanson.
Swanson, who passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023, established Mitchell soccer as a national power in the 1960's and also served as Athletic Director, playing an integral role in moving
Mitchell into the National Junior College Athletic Association. He guided Mitchell to four consecutive NJCAA national championship finals, winning championships in 1962 and 1964, while compiling a 99-32-4 record during his tenure which lasted from 1958-1969.
Swanson wore many hats over the years outside of Mitchell, serving in positions such as Chairman of the United Soccer Coaches NJCAA All-America Committee, a member of the Executive Committee, and First Vice-President of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. Following his time at Mitchell, he coached at the high school level in Southeastern Connecticut.
Along with being a member of the Mitchell College Hall of Fame, Swanson was also a member of the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame, the CJSA Hall of Fame, the Southeast Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Hall of Fame, and the Town of Waterford Athletic Hall of Fame.
In recent years, Swanson was named the 2018 Honor Award recipient by the United Soccer Coaches in recognition of a distinguished career, tremendous service to the association and exemplary contributions to the coaching profession and beyond.
Warren was predeceased by his wife, Karen, and daughter Lori. He is survived by his two sons Gregg, Gary (Peg), daughter Lynn (Mike) and eight grandchildren, Eric, Jake, Hannah, Carly, Krista, Joseph, Michael, Daniel.