Information courtesy of MLC Athletics

NEW ULM — Martin Luther College’s Jeff Schone announced his decision to step down as head women’s soccer coach after 13 years of leading the program on Tuesday.

Schone started his time as a soccer coach at MLC when he served as an assistant coach under Jon Balge for the three seasons (2006-2009).

Schone always had a great love for soccer and played it during his time as a student at Northwestern College. He took over for Balge during the 2010 season and really took the job to fill an immediate need for the MLC’s women soccer program.

However, the role had actually assisted him in his work as the VP for Student Life. When asked about what he really appreciated about coaching, Schone said, “being the women’s soccer coach gave students a different view of me. It allowed the students to relate to me in a setting outside of school and I enjoyed that tremendously.”

Throughout his tenure, he had a three fold coaching philosophy that instilled the importance of teammate relationships, playing to your best God-given ability and finally to win games. Schone understood that it wasn’t all about wins or losses and realized the unique and significant purpose that playing a sport such as soccer would bring the women he coached.

“Many of these young ladies were going to become teachers, who would be coaching soccer in the future,” Schone said. “Everything they learned and experienced in their college soccer career was going to be of educational benefit for them and would prepare them for their ministry.”

MLC Director of Athletics Dave Biedenbender thanked Schone for his service.

“We thank Jeff for his many years of service to the MLC women’s soccer program,” Biedenbender. “Jeff provided us with faithful service and we are greatly appreciative of everything he gave to MLC student-athletes and our athletic department as a whole.”

Schone finished his head coaching career with a record of 63-82-11 and took four different teams to the UMAC Postseason Tournament, where he would win two postseason games during his tenure. Nine of his players were selected to the All-UMAC team, two were UMAC Rookies of the year, and one was UMAC player of the year.

Schone also coached two of the top four scorers in program history (Bethany Schultz and Jenna Maurer). The best season during Schone’s tenure came in 2013 when the team went 12-8, giving it the third most wins in program history.

Schone wishes continued luck to all MLC student-athletes and coaches. Despite, stepping down from his coaching duties, Schone will remain as VP of Student Life.

MLC will be naming a new head women’s soccer coach in the near future.