Ziemer Joins Coaching Staff for Men’s and Women’s Soccer

Andrew Ziemer has been selected as associate head coach of both the men's and women's soccer teams at College of Marin (COM).

A hall of fame player at Sonoma State University (SSU), Ziemer started his collegiate playing career at Fresno State before transferring to Santa Rosa Junior College and finishing up at SSU. He went on to play at the top amateur level overseas in Germany and the Netherlands before returning to play in the American Professional Soccer League and beginning his coaching career.

In an interview after he accepted the position, Ziemer said he couldn’t be more excited about coaching at COM. 

"The school has top-notch staff and support, excellent new facilities, and a vision to impact young student-athletes,” says Ziemer. “Having played at Division I, community college, and Division II levels, I'm excited to share my experiences to help our student-athletes to reach their potential in the classroom and on the pitch."

Emphasizing that academics come first, Director of Kinesiology and Athletics Ryan Byrne says the department strives to lay the groundwork for student-athletes to be the best they can be and to transfer to four-year institutions. Noting that Ziemer is held in high regard by those who know him, Byrne is confident he will make an immediate impact in helping students reach their goals.

"Andrew is just one of those special people. While his soccer knowledge and teaching are off the charts, he is passionate about using the game to make an impact on young people," said Byrne. "He coaches from a place of love and compassion and is one of the best soccer minds in the country. Almost nobody has that combination. Everyone knows him and they all have great things to say."

Ziemer joins Head Soccer Coach Geoff Aguiar. The two will work in tandem to lead both the men's and women's soccer programs. 

"His soccer knowledge and coaching expertise will help push our student-athletes and our coaches to the next level," said Aguiar. "Personally, I learned a lot from Andrew during my developmental years as a player, so I know first-hand what he can do to help soccer players maximize their potential. He will be instrumental in developing technical abilities, tactical understanding, and life skills for both teams."

Byrne sees the duo as a perfect blend to lead the men's and women's teams, noting how well they complement each other. They both have an approach to coaching that stems from how they can make an impact on students and the community.

"Our goals are always academic first. We want to lay the groundwork for student-athletes to be the best they can be and to transfer to four-year institutions," said Byrne. "I know that Andrew will make an immediate impact in helping students reach their goals."

Ziemer has over 35 years of coaching experience working to educate and develop youth, club, and intercollegiate players. He has been an instructor with NorCal Premier, has taught hundreds of courses, coached the Player Development Program (PDP), and helped develop the NorCal Premier Level 1 Coaching Course. In 2015, Ziemer was named West Conference Coach of the Year by the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. He still holds the SSU record for goals and points in a season tallying 28 goals, 13 assists, and 69 points in 1991.