Marquette University Athletics
Bode Named Assistant Men's Soccer Coach at Marquette University
7/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
July 1, 2008
MILWAUKEE - Marquette University head men's soccer coach Louis Bennett announced today the hiring of Steve Bode as assistant men's soccer coach for the Golden Eagles. Bode, a former player under Bennett and former standout at Marquette University High School, will be responsible for multiple facets of student-athlete development both on and off the field.
A 2008 graduate of UW-Milwaukee, Bode (pronounced BOE-dee) was named the school's male Athlete of the Year and was also selected to receive the Herman Kluge Award, an annual honor given for academic and athletic achievement and dedication to community service, following this past season.
In his new role at Marquette, Bode will focus on player training in addition to overseeing academics.
"Steve is a perfect fit for where our program is going, and what we need as a program," said Bennett, who originally recruited Bode to play with UWM when Bennett was the Panthers' head coach. "He's got a fantastic work ethic and has shown leadership in everything he's ever done. He's going to have a lot of direct interaction with our guys. It's a great acquisition."
Success has followed Bode throughout his collegiate career. A three-year team captain and three-time All-Horizon League selection, Bode was twice named UWM's Most Valuable Player. He was named the Horizon League's Newcomer of the Year after the 2003 season and went on to earn Third Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America honors in 2005.
"I feel very fortunate to be offered this great opportunity at Marquette," said Bode. "I truly believe that this position suits my character. Working hands on with the guys both athletically and academically is something that I know I will thoroughly enjoy. Louis and [Associate head coach Stan Anderson] have so much passion for what they do that it is impossible to keep it from rubbing off on those around them. I look forward to working with them and striving to make a difference at Marquette."
Bode was the anchor of UWM's defensive units, helping guide the Panthers to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in each of his first two seasons on the field. UWM also captured two Horizon League regular season championships and three Horizon League Tournament titles.
The Panthers won a total of 43 games in the four seasons Bode played. After wrapping up his career at UWM, Bode was drafted by the Chicago Fire in the MLS supplemental draft, and was also taken by the Milwaukee Wave. As a professional, Bode has played in reserve games for the Fire.
While at Marquette University High School, Bode was the Greater Metro Conference Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002 and helped lead the Hilltoppers to four consecutive WIAA state titles.
According to Bennett, the men's soccer team is still seeking to fill a fourth position on his staff, a volunteer assistant coach who works directly with the soccer community on campus and in the Milwaukee area.
