LOWELL, Mass. -- UMass Lowell women's soccer Head Coach Elie Monteiro announced Thursday he has accepted the women's soccer head coaching position at Southern New Hampshire University.

"This was a very tough decision, I had always focused on getting UMass Lowell to a level I had dreamed of," said Monteiro.  "SNHU is a place that as a student I chose. It still has a special place in my heart, it's my dream job."

Monteiro built the UMass Lowell women's soccer program into a consistent winner in the Northeast-10 Conference and regular participant in the NCAA Division II Tournament and led the program's transition to Division I.  The 1997 graduate of SNHU returns to his alma mater after compiling a 94-100-30 record (.486) in 12 seasons at the helm of the program to go along with a 75-73-20 conference record (.506). He posted a 78-54-23 (.577) record over the final eight years as a member of the Northeast-10.

"I am so grateful for all of Elie's efforts during his 12 years at UMass Lowell," said UMass Lowell Athletic Director Dana Skinner. "He advanced the program in every way. His student-athletes performed at a high level academically and achieved consistent success on the field.  His positive leadership style was an example for others to emulate. I wish Elie continued success as he returns to lead his alma mater."

Monteiro's River Hawk clubs made five NCAA appearances between 2005 and 2011, when UMass Lowell advanced to the Round of 16.   Both in 2005 and 2009 Monteiro was honored as the Northeast-10 Coach of the Year.  He has coached three All-Americans, 37 Northeast-10 All-Conference selections, seven Northeast-10 All-Rookie Team selections, two Goalkeeper of the Year award winners, one Rookie of the Year honoree and one Defensive Player of the Year. In 2008 and 2011, the program won the Griffin Award as the River Hawk women's team with the highest GPA.

"I want to thank UMass Lowell Athletic Director Dana Skinner and Deputy Director of Athletics Peter Casey and everybody else for the opportunity I was given and the guidance I was provided," said Monteiro.  "I will remember the people the most."

Monteiro was the women's soccer program's first full-time head coach taking the reigns from Ted Priestly who had overseen both the men's and women's soccer teams. Before assuming the head coaching duties at UMass Lowell, Monteiro served as an assistant with both the men's and women's program at UMass Lowell (2000-2001).  Prior to coming to Lowell he had served as an assistant coach at Franklin Pierce for three seasons (1997-1999).

Monteiro was a two-year standout for the SNHU men's soccer team and helped the Penmen to a record of 30-6-2 and an appearance in the 1995 NCAA Tournament. He received his degree in sports management.