Minneapolis, MN -- North Central University (NCU) Athletics has announced that Keith Bleyer, current Men's Soccer Head Coach, has been elevated to North Central's new Manager of Soccer Operations. In his new role, he will assume head coaching duties of both the Men's and Women's Soccer programs beginning immediately. He will be supported on campus by a full-time assistant coach who will assist in all areas of coaching and recruiting for both the men's and women's soccer programs.

Bleyer joined North Central University on March 4, 2024, taking over the Men's Soccer program and quickly establishing a competitive foundation within the UMAC and NCCAA ranks. In his first season, he led the youngest team in the conference, with no seniors on the roster, to a 7-13-1 overall record and a berth in the 2024 NCCAA Division II Men's Soccer North Regional. The Rams advanced to the regional championship match with a dominant 14-0 play-in victory followed by a 2-0 semifinal shutout, highlighting the group's rapid development. North Central also saw three student-athletes earn UMAC postseason honors, while two players received NCCAA recognition.

Building on that momentum, Bleyer guided the Rams through continued growth in 2025, once again participating in postseason play and competing in the NCCAA North Regional semifinal. The program's progress was further reflected in its individual accolades, with four players earning UMAC postseason honors and six receiving NCCAA recognition. Across his two seasons, the Rams have demonstrated steady improvement in both competitiveness and postseason presence, laying a strong foundation for sustained success.

"It is an honor to accept this role at North Central University," Bleyer said. "I am very excited for the future of Rams Soccer at such a special institution." He continued by expressing gratitude for the expanded opportunity, noting, "I'm grateful that NCU has given me the chance to lead both programs, and I'm fully committed to taking our teams to new heights over the coming years."

Prior to joining the Rams, Bleyer spent seven years in the Seattle area leading both college and club teams. Most recently, he was a head coach at Green River College, where he relaunched the women's program after a two-year hiatus, recruiting over 20 players in a six-month period. Bleyer led the Gators to ten wins over two seasons and saw eight players on his squad selected for All-NWAC honors. Keith also served as a director and head coach of top teams at three large Seattle-area clubs: Valor Soccer, Pacific Northwest, and ISC Gunners. He has also led squads and managed clubs in Oregon and Colorado. Bleyer holds the highest certifications offered to coaches, including a US Soccer National A Coaching License (earned on three separate occasions) and United Soccer Coaches National Premier and Director of Coaching Diplomas.

As a player, he was a member of the Under 16 USA Youth National Team pool and was named one of the nation's 'Top 50' prep recruits by Soccer America magazine. Bleyer went on to play NCAA DI soccer at Santa Clara (CA) University and graduated with a BA degree in Communications. He has also been a radio and TV broadcaster for Major League Soccer teams for nearly twenty years, most recently as a radio analyst for the Portland Timbers.

With the addition of a full-time assistant coach and a unified structure across both programs, Bleyer emphasized the long-term vision for Rams Soccer. "This new arrangement will create an improved experience for all of our student-athletes, both on and off the field," he said. "Building things the right way takes time and hard work, and I'm confident that the progress we've made on the men's side can happen for the women's team as well!"

Bleyer also highlighted the program's mission beyond competition, adding, "Most importantly, my personal mission is to mentor, support, and disciple, in the best way I can, the wonderful people who entrust us with their athletic careers, academic pursuits, and relationship with God. The Rams are rising!"

Congratulations, Coach Bleyer!