Aug. 6, 2002

MILWAUKEE - Former Panther soccer standout Jon Coleman has been named a full-time assistant coach at UWM, head coach Louis Bennett announced today.

Coleman will be beginning his sixth season as an assistant coach for the Panthers, but the first five have found him in a part-time status. Thanks to the continuing committment from UWM and the local soccer community to its nationally-ranked men's soccer program, a second full-time assistant position was added during the off-season.

"Adding an additional member to the staff helps up take lengthy strides toward the ultimate goal for the soccer program, which is to be the best team in the league, the best team in the region and the best team in the country," Bennett said. "Adding someone like Jon is exciting, because he's run the full gamut at UWM - player, part-time coach and full-time coach. In between, he's been a professional player and a high school coach that won a state championship. His credentials are immaculate."

Coleman originally joined Bennett's staff after finishing an outstanding four-year soccer career at UWM in 1996. He has also had great success as a high school coach, leading the Milwaukee Pius XI girls team to the 2001 state championship. He was named the Wisconsin High School Girl's Soccer Coach of the Year for his efforts. The previous season at Pius - his first - Coleman led the team to the state semifinals. Coleman is also actively involved in coaching during the summer months, running the Panther Soccer Camps and helping coach the British-American Soccer Program and the '84 Wisconsin ODP team.

Coleman's playing abilities took him from a stellar career at UWM to the professional ranks. During his collegiate career, Coleman played in 73 games as a midfielder, starting in 63. His 17 career assists currently ranks tenth in UWM history. In 1995, he was named an All-MCC team selection after scoring eight goals on the season. In 1998, Coleman gained professional experience playing with the LaFayette Swampcats of the Eastern Indoor Soccer League. He helped lead the team to the league championship title that season.