Koebler tabbed as first PSF Soccer coach

Lemont Furnace, PA - David Koebler has been hired as the first head coach of the Men's and Women's co-ed Soccer team which will begin play this coming season within the PSUAC Men's conference schedule.  As the leader of a new program looking to get off of the ground, Koebler knows it is going to take a lot of work.

"A new program will inevitably experience some growing pains, but I typically set very high expectations for myself and the teams that I coach," he said. "I will want my players to perform to their highest potential in the classroom and on the pitch.  My primary goal over the next 12 months is to build a competitive foundation and positive culture that will guide the soccer program at Eberly towards excellence for years to come.  I am elated with the opportunity to grow a collegiate program from the ground up and honored to coach for such a prestigious institution such as PSU."

Interim Fayette Director of Athletics Steve Oberly shared his thoughts on Koebler getting things going with the program.

"We're truly excited to welcome a new member to the coaching staff and campus family," he said.  "In addition to his years of experience in player development, Coach Koebler brings a wealth of organizational leadership necessary for the program's inaugural season and future successes."

Koebler, who has 35 years of playing experience and says that he "still loves lacing up the boots" to play two or three times a week, played at Savannah College of Art and Design (NAIA) after graduating high school, began his coaching career while at Savannah.

"I started coaching when I was in college," he said.  "My scholarship to play soccer required me to accumulate 20 hours of community service per trimester.  My college coach helped me and other members of the team to obtain coaching licenses.  We then would volunteer as assistant coaches for the local soccer club in Savannah.  I started coaching what we now call grass roots ages, Under-6 and Under-8.  After a couple years in the recreation age groups, I moved into competitive travel soccer.  Every couple years, I would move up an age group or competition level.  Over the past 23 years coaching, I have traveled to 20 states coaching soccer.  I have coached every youth age group from Under-6 to Under-19.  I have coached in four state associations and owned two soccer clubs.  We have won multiple state and regional championships along with one national championship."

With the season fast approaching, Koebler did not hesitate when asked what he has to get a jump on.

"Everything," he said with a smile.  "I don't expect to get any sleep over the next 30 days.  From getting the general infrastructure of the program up and running, to meeting prospects and recruiting players, to ordering equipment, uniforms.  There is a lot that has to come together in a short period of time to have a successful launch of the program this season.  Luckily, I have Steve (Oberly) and (Athletic Coordinator) Sam (Swetz) to help, guide and support along the way." 

Koebler is eager to get started and shared thanks to many.

"I would like to thank the PSU Eberly Athletic Department for this amazing opportunity," he said.  "The energy that the Athletic Department has at this campus is electrifying and I very am proud to be part of the family... We Are!..."

If interested in participating, please contact 724-430-4259.

Written by Bill Hughes