COLLEGE PARK, MD – Former Maryland men's soccer head coach and men's lacrosse assistant coach Jim Dietsch '69 passed away at the age of 78 on March 31, 2026.

Dietsch served as the head coach of the Terps' men's soccer program for six seasons from 1975-80, posting a 35–45-5 record. He led the Terps to the NCAA Tournament in 1976, posting a 7-4-2 record. He was named ACC Coach of the Year in 1976.


Dietsch served as an assistant coach with the men's lacrosse program from 1972-83. During that span, the Terps won the 1973 and 1975 NCAA Championships. He also served as an Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Affairs in the Athletic Department.

He was a face-off midfielder for Maryland lacrosse from 1967-69 under coach John Howard. The team claimed a USILA National Championship in 1967, along with three ACC titles during his playing career. The phrase "Be The Best" began during Dietsch's time at Maryland and remains a motto and mantra for how he lived his life and mentored others both on and off the field.
  Following his time at Maryland, Dietsch went on to serve as head lacrosse coach at Catonsville Community College, Limestone College, and Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina, along with various youth and high schools. He was named the Conference of the Carolinas Coach of the Year in 2008, his first year leading Belmont Abbey, and also led the Crusaders to a conference championship. He coached at Paint Branch High School, Glenelg Country Day School, Hammond High School, the Savage Boys and Girls Club, and Indian River High School.

Dietsch grew up in Baltimore and graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic High School. He served three years in the United States Army following his graduation from Maryland in 1969.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, also a Maryland graduate and their loving family.