Men's Soccer

UW-Stout Names Cole Schwartz Men’s Soccer Head Coach

**Release courtesy of UW-Stout Sports Information

MENOMONIE, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Stout Athletic Director Duey Naatz announced today the hiring of Cole Schwartz as the new head coach of the Blue Devils men's soccer program.

Schwartz, a proven coach and decorated former player with deep ties to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), brings a dynamic blend of experience, leadership, a passion for player development, and a track record of success to UW-Stout as the team continues to build its presence in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC).

Schwartz comes to Stout after two impactful seasons as the assistant men's soccer coach at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn., where he helped guide the Pipers to a 22-12-3 record from 2023 to 2024. During his tenure, Hamline achieved a program-record 14 wins in 2024, tied for fourth nationally among NCAA Division III regular-season teams, and secured multiple top-10 regional rankings. Schwartz played a key role in developing two consecutive MIAC Rookies of the Year, four All-MIAC First Team selections, and a program-record 56 goals in the 2024 season. His contributions also included recruiting, tactical analysis, and practice management, transforming Hamline from a 10th-place MIAC finish to a competitive seventh-place standing in his first year.

"We are excited to welcome Cole Schwartz to UW-Stout as our men's soccer head coach," Naatz said. "Cole's coaching experience, combined with his remarkable playing career and commitment to student-athlete development, makes him the perfect leader for our program. His vision for success and passion for the game will undoubtedly inspire our team to new heights."

Schwartz's soccer journey is marked by excellence both on and off the field. As a player at Gustavus Adolphus College, he earned First Team All-American honors, was a two-time Academic All-American, and finished as the fourth-leading goal scorer in NCAA Division III in 2019 with 24 goals. He also contributed to two MIAC championships during his collegiate career, which began at NCAA Division I Radford University. Beyond college, Schwartz competed with Minneapolis City SC, leading the club in scoring in 2020 and 2021 across the NPSL, UPSL, and USL2 leagues.

In addition to his Hamline role, Schwartz currently serves as head coach for Lakeville Soccer Club's UPSL team, the top Lakeville U17 select team, and the Minnesota Olympic Development Program, showcasing his ability to develop talent at multiple levels. Schwartz holds a bachelor's degree in Physical and Health Education with a coaching minor from Gustavus Adolphus College and is set to complete his Master's in Soccer Coaching Education from Ohio University in July 2025. He possesses multiple U.S. Soccer coaching licenses, further underscoring his expertise.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the new Men's Head Soccer Coach at UW-Stout," Schwartz said. "The program's potential is clear, and I am eager to implement a vision that will cultivate a winning culture and achieve sustained success. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the search committee and Director of Athletics Duey Naatz. Thank you to my mentors Tyler Oliver and Tudor Flintham who have helped show me the profound impact this profession can have on student-athletes. Lastly, thank you to my friends, family, and amazing wife for their continued support. I am committed to a student-centered approach and developing our student-athletes both on and off the field. We have a lot of work to do, but I know this program is destined for great things."

Schwartz takes over a Blue Devils program that began in 2024 under head coach Marcos Rodriguez. With his diverse background—shaped by a global upbringing in Poland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Virginia, and Minnesota as the son of international school teachers—Schwartz is poised to bring a fresh perspective and a winning culture to UW-Stout.

The UW-Stout men's soccer team will begin preparations for the 2025 season under Schwartz's leadership this spring with the team's first contest set for August 29 at Crown College.
 
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