University of Lynchburg

Releford was the man between the pipes in the historic 2010 NCAA runner-up season and was selected the NCAA Division III National Tournament's Most Valuable Defensive Player as a Freshman goalkeeper. In six tournament games against the best opponents in the nation, he allowed just five goals. He also earned All-ODAC and All-Region recognition that season. The Blacksburg, Va. product allowed a career-low 13 goals for a 0.64 goals-against average in his debut season. In addition, he was chosen First Team All-ODAC, First Team All-State by VaSID, All-South Atlantic Region Third Team by the NSCAA, and the College's Male Rookie of the Year. In 2012, Releford posted eight shutouts en route to ODAC Player of the Year honors. He was named to the All-ODAC First-Team in all three of his seasons. For his three-year playing career in Lynchburg history, Michael is third in save percentage at .875, third in goals against average (since 1981) at 0.73, third in career shutouts, and ninth in career saves. For the 2010-2019 time frame, Michael was chosen First Team All-Decade for the University of Lynchburg. At the 2013-14 Lynchburg College Athletic Banquet, Releford was honored with the prestigious Male Senior Award. He had a storied career in goal for the LC men's soccer team. In 2018, Michael married Jenni Releford, Woman's Head Field Hockey Coach at the University of Lynchburg. They have two young children, Sadie and Arlo.