Northern Michigan University’s Keegan Schmidt lunges to kick the ball during a Wildcats game during the fall 2023 season. (Photo: Courtesy of NMU)

By Journal Sports Staff

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University men’s soccer team didn’t have to look far to add new names to its coaching staff.

Wildcats head coach Alex Fatovic has added two more names to his 2023 roster: goaltending coach Bryce Beckley and volunteer coach Keegan Schmidt.

“We are delighted to welcome back two great former Wildcats, Bryce and Keegan, to our 2024 roster.” Fatovic announced the additions in an announcement made by NMU Sports Information. “These are two big signings for us as we continue to professionalize our roster, and they are also a great indication of the environment we have created when it comes to our alumni wanting to return to help our program succeed.”

Here are brief biographies of each new coach:

Bryce Beckley — A midway player in the Wildcats’ net last fall, he started in six games and had 30 saves, two clean sheets and a 1.50 goals-against average.

Prior to NMU, the Waterford, Wisconsin native played goalie for Wisconsin Lutheran College for two seasons, saving 27 shots in two games.

A letterwinner all two years in high school and on the honor roll all four years, Bryce was a state all-around selection by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, was named to the First and Second Teams in the Southern Lakes Conference and was a team captain as a junior and senior.

“Bryce showed us great potential as he transitioned from player to coach this spring, and we look forward to providing stability in the goalie coach position.” said Fatovic. “It will be a big task for him to manage five very good goalkeepers as well as the women’s goalkeepers, but he is capable of doing it.”

Keegan Schmidt — He’s no stranger to the NMU field after five seasons with the Wildcats.

He set a program career record for games played. Schmidt was a driving force on the back end last season, earning GLIAC Honors after playing 1,259 minutes and starting in 15 of 16 games.

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

“Mr. Wildcat and most-appeared player of all time Keegan Schmidt will bring great energy and passion to every session, training recovery and game,” Fatovic said in the NMU SI press release. “Keegan is passionate about fitness, health and wellbeing and will play a big role in how we manage and maintain our fitness and match preparation.”

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His e-mail address is [email protected].