Northern Michigan University's Keegan Schmidt lunges to kick the ball during a Wildcats game in the 2023 fall season. (Photo courtesy NMU)

By Journal Sports Staff

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University men’s soccer team didn’t have to look far to find a pair of additions to its coaching staff.

Wildcats head coach Alex Fatovic has added two 2023 members — goalkeeper coach Bryce Beckley and volunteer coach Keegan Schmidt.

“We are pleased to welcome back two fantastic former Wildcats, Bryce and Keegan, to our 2024 staff,” Fatovic said in an NMU Sports Information news release announcing the additions. “These are two massive signings for us as we continue to professionalize our staff, and also a great sign of the environment we are creating when alumni want to come back to help our program succeed.”

Here are brief biographies of each new coach:

Bryce Beckley — He took over as a player in the Wildcats’ net halfway through last fall’s campaign, starting in six matches and recording 30 saves, two shutouts and a 1.50 goals-against average.

Before NMU, the Waterford, Wisconsin, native played for two seasons at Wisconsin Lutheran College as its primary goalkeeper, where he stopped shots in 27 matches over two seasons.

A two-year letterwinner and four-year honor roll student in high school, Bryce was an all-state selection by the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association, a First and Second Team All-Southern Lakes Conference pick, and a team captain as a junior and senior.

“Bryce showed us great potential in the spring as he transitioned from player to coach and we look forward to having consistency at the goalkeeper coach position,” Fatovic said. “He’ll have a big job managing five very good goalkeepers as well as the women’s core, but he’s more than up to it.”

Keegan Schmidt — He is also no stranger to the NMU pitch, having spent the previous five seasons in the Wildcats lineup.

He became the program’s career record holder in games played. Schmidt was a driving force on the back end, being named GLIAC Honorable Mention last season after tallying 1,259 minutes played and starting 15 of 16 matches.

Before NMU, the Bettendorf, Iowa, native was a two-time player of the year while playing with the Iowa City Alliance and Sporting Iowa East, and was an all-district all-academic selection.

“Mr. Wildcat and all-time appearance leader Keegan Schmidt will bring huge energy and passion to every session, workout recovery and game,” Fatovic said in the NMU SI release. “Keegan is passionate about fitness, health and well-being and will play a large role in how we manage and maintain our fitness and match readiness.”

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.