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Michael Casper
Michael Casper was named the seventh head coach in Columbia men's soccer history in July 2023. Casper brings over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, including serving as head coach at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, from 2007-14. He joins the Lions after a four-year stint as an assistant coach at Georgetown, where he won the 2019 NCAA Championship.
“We are so excited to welcome Michael and his family to Columbia,” Pilling said. “He is a proven winner wherever he’s been and has mentored some of the best and brightest student-athletes throughout his career. His passion, commitment and vision are exactly what our men’s soccer program needs to elevate us to new heights.”
"I am incredibly honored to be named the next head men's soccer coach at Columbia University,” said Casper. “First and foremost, I would like to thank President Shafik and Peter Pilling for their visionary leadership and dedication to providing a world-class experience that can be found #OnlyHere at Columbia. I am excited to get on campus and around the team to begin this new chapter and build upon the legacy that is Columbia men's soccer.”
“Additionally, I would like to thank Matt Scally and the search committee for their commitment to our student-athletes and for entrusting me with their development,” Casper continued. “I’m also so appreciative of the support of my mentors, Brian Wiese, Tim Lenahan, Bobby Clark, and BJ Craig. Their friendship and sincere investment in my personal and professional growth means the world to me. Lastly, thank you to my wife, Kerri, and family for their unconditional support."
In addition to the national title in 2019, Casper helped Georgetown go a combined 59-11-9, make the NCAA Tournament four times as one of the top 10 seeds and reached the College Cup twice. Casper coached nine All-Americans, 10 BIG EAST major award winners and 23 All-BIG EAST selections, a MAC Hermann Trophy winner and multiple MAC Hermann Trophy finalists and semifinalists. Additionally, he aided 13 players sign MLS or European contracts.
Casper spent the 2018 season with Northwestern. That year, the Wildcats led the Big Ten in shutouts (nine) and ranked ninth in the nation. With the Fighting Irish, Casper worked under the direction of legendary head coach Bobby Clark from 2015-17 and went a combined 34-19-10 with three straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
Over his eight seasons as a head coach, Casper led Saint Francis to a 71-61-21 record, including a 36-26-9 mark in NEC play. The 71 total victories and the 36 league wins are the most in school history. The Red Flash were the NEC finalist four times, winning the conference title in 2014, with Casper at the helm.
Casper coached 24 All-NEC players, 15 United Soccer Coaches all-region performers and a United Soccer Coaches All-American as head coach at Saint Francis. Eight of his players went on to the professional ranks.
In addition to the success on the field, the Red Flash produced three Academic All-Americans and 10 Academic All-District players during his tenure. The program received the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award four times (2011-14).
Overall, Casper was with the Red Flash for 12 seasons. Before taking over the head coaching position, he spent four seasons as an assistant coach in charge of the team's goalkeepers.
A four-year member of the UMBC men's soccer team, Casper helped lead the Retrievers to an NEC Championship in 1999. During Casper's four-year career at UMBC, the Retrievers posted a record of 54-19-11, going 30-7-3 in NEC play.
Following his collegiate career, Casper served as head junior varsity and assistant varsity coach at Timothy Christian High School (N.J.) for two seasons (2001-02). In 2000, Casper served as head coach of the Central Jersey Riptide in the Professional Development League.
Casper holds an A License from the United States Soccer Federation and an advanced regional diploma from the United Soccer Coaches.
Casper received his master's degree in education leadership from Saint Francis in 2005 and is a 2000 graduate of UMBC with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He and his wife Kerri have two sons, Jacob and Noah, as well as a daughter Caroline.
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