Andy Kohel Named Head Coach
MOORHEAD, Minn. (6/04/21)--- Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson announced that former Johnson & Wales (Denver) head coach Andy Kohel has been named the new Concordia men's soccer head coach. Kohel takes over for Ben Schneweis who changed positions within the department at the end of April.
Kohel becomes the seventh head coach in the 35-year history of the program.
"We are excited to welcome Andy to Concordia," Bergeson said. "He brings with him a level of experience and energy that will positively impact our men's soccer program. Andy's commitment to Division III and to mentoring student-athletes will make him a great fit at Concordia."
Kohel was the head coach for Johnson & Wales for three years before the school ended all athletic programs in the summer of 2020 and then ceased operations for the entire campus this year. Before his stint at Johnson & Wales, Kohel was the top assistant coach for Colorado College – one of the premiere programs in Division III.
"This program has made significant strides on the field in recent years," Kohel commented. "Having had an opportunity to chat with a few members of the team, I could see in their eyes how eager they were to take that next leap forward. I'm excited to help them achieve success on the field, in the classroom, and helping prepare them for real life challenges they'll face upon graduating from Concordia."
During his three year at Colorado College, Kohel was responsible for planning training sessions, coaching defenders, video analysis, scouting, player identification and recruiting and coordinating on-campus visits. He helped the Tigers fashion a 41-10-9 record over his three years and had several players earn Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference honors as well as national awards from the United Soccer Coaches.
Kohel started his coaching career at Wis.-Oshkosh – where he also starred as a player. Kohel was an assistant coach for Oshkosh for four seasons and helped the team record a 48-18-11 record. During his four years, the Titans won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship in 2014 and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament in 2013.
"Growing up in the Midwest, having played collegiately in the Midwest, and coaching against Concordia – I've always been aware of the rich soccer tradition and high character student-athletes the school has attracted," Kohel said. "To have an opportunity to surround yourself with quality individuals on a daily basis is what drew my initial interest."
Kohel grew up in Racine, Wis. and went to Racine Horlick High School. He moved on to Wis.-Oshkosh where he was a 4-year starter as a defender for the Titans. During his playing days, Kohel helped Oshkosh compile a 52-16-11 overall record. In his senior season the Titans went 20-1-3 and advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.
He graduated from Wis.-Oshkosh in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in history.
Kohel has also been heavily involved in club and Olympic Development Program (ODP) coaching during his time in Colorado and Wisconsin. He is currently a staff coach for the Colorado Rapids club. He has also worked with Colorado Rush and FC Green Bay. Kohel was involved with the Olympic Development Program in Wisconsin and was the was the head coach of the Wisconsin state 2000 boys team.
"I would like to thank the members of the search committee, the athletic department staff and Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson for the opportunity to be the next Head Coach of Concordia College Men's Soccer," Kohel added. "This program is full of rich soccer tradition and I look forward to adding to that with our student-athletes."
Kohel will begin his coaching duties immediately.