Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

Remembering Legendary Soccer Coach Mike Purcell

The soccer community is mourning the loss of a true legend. Mike Purcell, former Brentwood soccer coach, passed away at the age of 73. Purcell’s impact on the Bruins boys and girls soccer programs was immeasurable, as he led them to five TSSAA soccer state titles during his more than two decades of coaching.

Brentwood’s athletic department expressed their sorrow over the loss of Coach Purcell in a heartfelt statement posted on social media. Known affectionately as “Coach P” by many, Purcell’s dedication to his students and players was unmatched.

Despite battling health issues, Purcell continued to inspire those around him until the very end. He retired as Brentwood’s soccer coach in June, having been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in 2023. His resilience and passion for the game earned him The Tennessean’s 2024 Fred Russell Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his contributions to sports in Middle Tennessee.

During his tenure as head coach of the Brentwood boys soccer team, Purcell achieved remarkable success with 364 wins, numerous district and region championships, and five state titles. His teams were not only dominant on the field but also nationally recognized for their excellence.

As the soccer community gathers to remember and celebrate the life of Mike Purcell, his legacy as a coach, mentor, and friend will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. He may be gone, but his impact will forever be felt on and off the field.

When did former Brentwood soccer coach Mike Purcell pass away?

Former Brentwood soccer coach Mike Purcell, who won five TSSAA soccer state titles in more than two decades with the Bruins boys and girls programs, passed away. He was 73. Brentwood’s athletic department released a statement on the ‘X’ platform, formerly Twitter. “It is with a very heavy heart that we say goodbye to one of the best of our Brentwood Family. Mike Purcell, or Coach P as he was called by so many, passed away this past weekend. His passion for his students and players was truly unmatched,” the statement read. A visitation for Purcell will be held Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home.

What was the cause of Mike Purcell’s retirement as Brentwood’s soccer coach?

Purcell retired as Brentwood’s soccer coach in June as he battled adenocarcinoma, a diagnosis he received in March of 2023. He previously had cancer that had gone into remission but had been susceptible to illness. In his final season as the Bruins coach, he missed about a dozen games.

What recognition did Mike Purcell receive in June?

In June, he was named the recipient of The Tennessean’s 2024 Fred Russell Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors Middle Tennessee area individuals for their lifetime contributions to sports.

What were some of Mike Purcell’s accomplishments during his coaching career?

During his 22-year head coaching run with Brentwood’s boys soccer team, Purcell earned 364 wins, more than a dozen district and region championships combined and the five state titles. He won back-to-back state crowns in 2022 and 2023. That 2023 team finished 25-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally by MaxPreps. His 2008 state champion team finished 24-0 and held a national ranking as well. He graduated from Father Ryan in 1968.

For more information, you can reach sports writer Tyler Palmateer at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, formerly Twitter, @tpalmateer83.