Soccer

Mount Mary University has named Peter Knebel their new Head Soccer Coach.  Knebel takes the reigns of the Blue Angel soccer program effective immediately.

Knebel brings over 45 years of soccer experience with over 10 years in the high school ranks with the last 7 years being the varsity head coach at Greenfield High School for boys and girls. Knebel has coached for several clubs - SC Waukesha, Tosa Kicks, MKSC and Elm Grove Soccer Club.  He also started River Valley Soccer Club in Osceola, Wisconsin, nearly 30 years ago and now the local high schools in the entire northwestern Wisconsin region have high school soccer programs where there were few if any prior to Knebel's launch.

Currently, Knebel, is finishing his girls' season at Greenfield HS.  "We usually don't have alot (if any) club soccer players at Greenfield but through our hard work and coaching vision, we have become more competitive in these last seasons.  No longer everyone's parent or senior night."   Between both programs, Knebel has coached over 225 games.  The 2023 Greenfield boys team set several school records with lowest goals allowed, most goals scored, most shutouts, highest win total at 13-7-2 and one player being ranked in the top 10 in the country in assists.

"I know it sounds cliché, but more important than wins and losses, is the growth every kid has made in our program; in the classroom, in the community, at home and certainly on the pitch! I simply demand the players to be better today than yesterday."

Knebel elaborated on why he believes he is a great fit for MMU, "My passion is to help these young adults be successful in their own ventures in life.  I will continue to bring a heart of compassion and patience with a will to be competitive in all aspects of my kids' lives.  I am that coach who will be there for them each day and always!  I want them to leave Mount Mary with the degree they earned and some life lessons learned from on and off the pitch.  This is an exciting opportunity for me coaching in the NCAA Division 3 ranks and especially at Mount Mary where the proof will be on the field."

Director of Athletics Natalie Balleto added, "We are very excited to have Peter joining the Blue Angels team. He's had a successful coaching career and is ready for this opportunity at MMU. He has an exceptional work ethic and commitment to his players! I am looking forward to seeing him grow the soccer program and elevate the team to a new level."

Knebel inherits a Blue Angel team coming off of the program's most successful season since 2017.  All updates and coverage of Blue Angel soccer can be found here on www.mtmaryathletics.com