MARQUETTE – The Northern Michigan University men’s soccer program doesn’t start play until the fall of 2016, but the Wildcats have taken their first step in naming a head coach.

According to an NMU sports release, David Poggi was named the first skipper in team history and comes to NMU from Division III Sewanee: The University of the South (Tenn.). He was the head coach of the Tigers for seven years, trained 12 all-Southern Athletic Association award winners and had 79 players made the SAA academic honor roll.

“David has accomplished many things on and off the soccer field,” NMU athletic director Forrest Karr said.

“It was clear throughout the interview process that David is passionate about recruiting and teaching the game. Everyone that I spoke with said that David is an outstanding coach and an even better person. I look forward to helping him build a successful program.”

Before coming the men’s coach at Sewanee, Poggi led two women’s programs. He was the inaugural coach at Division I Louisiana-Lafayette and was at the helm from 2000-05. Poggi built the program from the beginning and had three players earn all-Sun belt awards. 67 of Poggi’s players made the Sun Belt commissioner’s honor roll.

After his time with the Ragin’ Cajuns, Poggi moved on to Loyola University New Orleans at the NAIA level where he coached from 2005-07. He also was the men’s coach at DII Truman State (Mo.) and Division I Wisconsin-Green Bay. Both teams won a conference title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Poggi has also coached at the pro level, not only in U.S, but Belize and Denmark as well. All in all, Poggi has compiled almost 30 years of coaching experience.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Forrest Karr, Bridget Berube and the rest of the search committee for this incredible opportunity,” Poggi said.

“Northern Michigan is an outstanding university in a great community in a beautiful part of the country. That is a combination that is very exciting and that will help the new men’s soccer program become successful on all fronts. I can’t wait to get started.”

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.