UNK welcomes new women's soccer coach

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by News 5 Sports

Story Created: Aug 1, 2012 at 5:28 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 1, 2012 at 6:47 PM CDT

He is one of the most decorated soccer players in America. He's been a college All-American, a star of a professional championship team and now brings his coaching talents to Kearney. News 5 had a chance to catch up with him Wednesday.

This is John Maessner, the new women's soccer coach for the UNK Lopers. He'll soon coach his players since the season starts August 31st, but Wednesday he is working with a younger group at the Kearney soccer field. As the late great Paul Harvey would say, now the rest of the story...

John is no ordinary soccer coach, he was an All-American player at the University of Virginia for the famous coach Bruce Arens. He played professionally for ten years, six for one of the most famous soccer teams, DC United in which he was a star for the 3 time champions of the Major Soccer League.

"DC United is the team I feel is my team, you know, we won 3 championships with them. It was a special experience for me," said Maessner.

From Washington, DC John made his way to Nebraska, and knew his love for soccer would long transcend his playing days as one of the world's best players.

"I feel compelled almost to share what I have and I really enjoy sharing the knowledge and passion I have for the game at all levels. It doesn't matter if they're five and just starting or a top program," Maessner said.

"Coach Maessner is an amazing resource for us. He and I met several years ago and as soon as we found out what a great soccer background he has, we've incorporated him into a lot of our summer training and a lot of summer," said Kearney Bearcat Soccer Coach Scott Steinbrook.

Since John has succeeded at the highest level of soccer he feels there is no reason to believe he can't do the same thing as head coach of the Lopers.

"It's kind of a dream to me to return to live here in this wonderful community and also coach soccer at a high level," said Maessner.

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