At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee we are sensitive to the fact that a potential student-athlete makes the correct choice regarding school, soccer and social life. Our picturesque, urban campus provides approximately 22,000 students a wide variety of excellent academic choices, a multitude of social options and top-flight soccer!

UWM soccer, currently under the guidance of Louis Bennett, has a rich history in Division I. Three NCAA Tournament appearances (1979, `80 and `90) have highlighted recent history. With five years under his belt, Coach Bennett has already won an MCC Conference Championship and has been named MCC Coach of the Year.

Many players and coaches have contributed to UWM's storied soccer past: Bob Gansler, former National Team head coach, former A League head coach and current head coach of MLS' Kansas City Wizards, guided the UWM Panthers during the mid-1980s. Recent Panther forward Tony Sanneh is currently playing for FC Nuremberg of the German Bundesliga. Tony also starred for two-time MLS Champion D.C. United and is a regular for the US National Team. Former U.S. National, World Cup `90 starter, Milwaukee Wave star and UWM Panther Jimmy Banks starred here in the late 1980's. The Lagos family of Minnesota has seen both Gerard and Manuel come though the Panther soccer program. Gerard is currently playing for the 1999 A-League Champion Minnesota Thunder and former Olympian Manuel currently plays for the San Jose Earthquakes, won an MLS title with the Chicago Fire in 1998, and is in the US National Team player pool.

Former Panther forwards, David Marshall and Jake Provan, won A League championships while playing for the Milwaukee Rampage. Don Gramenz, a former walk-on, freshman redshirt and fifth year team captain continued his playing career for the Milwaukee Wave (NPSL) and the Minnesota Thunder (USL), where he won the 1999 A-League title. The 1996 senior class saw four Panthers make their way to professional soccer: Chris Jahr (Milwaukee Wave/Chicago Stinger/LeHigh Steam), Kevin Deck (Chicago Stingers), David Marshall and current UWM assistant coach Jon Coleman (LaFayette Swampcats). In 1997, Erik White was drafted first overall and signed a contract with the Milwaukee Wave. As fate would have it, Matt Schmidt, who finished his playing days at UWM in 1998, is now the back-up goalkeeper for Paul Royal (South Jersey Barons), just as he was for a season at UWM. The 1999 season saw two Panthers drafted into the professional ranks: Tony Colvin (Milwaukee Wave) and Joe Bernstein (Milwaukee Rampage). At the conlcusion of the 2000 season, Scott Dombrowski was drafted by the Milwaukee Wave and is currently playing for the Milwaukee Rampage.

Our very high graduation rate affords our players the opportunity to be successful in their chosen professional fields as well. In fact, student-athletes at UWM graduate at a faster rate and higher percentage than the general student body.

Please keep in mind that you do have an open invitation to attend any of our home games, and can call or stop in at the Panther Soccer Office with general questions at any time.

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Academics

Decades of Excellence

All UWM majors are accredited by the appropriate national bodies at the highest level of accreditation.

English, Architecture and Nursing have received high rankings at the national level.

UWM has received the Carnegie Foundation classification of "Research University", one of a small number of institutions to receive this classification (300 out of 3,600).

UWM's liberal arts undergraduate program has been awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious honor society.

Two UWM graduates have become chiefs of state (Israel and Peru).

Top executives of the largest banks and insurance companies in Wisconsin are UWM graduates.

The "new" business school is located in Milwaukee because four out of six jobs in the Wisconsin business field are found here. They have a close relationship with the local business community, thus enhancing opportunities for internships prior to or after graduation.

UWM is proud of the wonderful mix of traditional and non-traditional students. The campus is richer and more cosmopolitan because of it.

UWM student-athletes are typically among the most traditional students. They tend to live on campus, attend full-time and graduate within four or five years.

In brief, UWM has nationally recognized academic programs and outstanding and successful graduates.