Connor McKee
Head women’s soccer coach John Ross announced the final addition to his staff Friday morning, naming Connor McKee assistant coach. McKee, along with assistant coach Christie Chappell announced March 23, will serve on the staff for the Huskies first season under Ross in 2012.
“We are very excited to have Connor as part of our staff,” said Ross. “He will bring a lot of energy to the staff and is a student of the game. He is always looking to improve himself. His background in coaching will help for a smooth transition into his role with the defensive side of the team. We look forward to him making an immediate impact on the program.”
A native of Rapid City, S.D., McKee will work mainly with the Huskie goalkeepers and run individual training sessions, along with running some of the team training sessions.
McKee came to DeKalb from University of Sioux Falls, where he was a graduate assistant during the 2011 season for the men’s soccer program. There, he trained the goalkeepers, ran skill and fitness sessions and aided in recruiting, fundraising and with compliance for the first year Division II program.
He started his collegiate career at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Ill., where he was a defender for the Bluejays in 2007 and 2008, who reached as high as No. 16 nationally. He returned home to his native South Dakota to conclude his college career at Sioux Falls, where he was a team captain his senior season and was honored with All-Great Plains Athletic Conference selections both years.
He also earned the Daktronics NAIA Men’s Scholar Athlete Award while playing for the Cougars.
At the club level, McKee has served in various capacities with Rushmore Soccer Club, South Dakota Olympic Development program and Dakota Alliance Soccer Club. He owns a United States Soccer Federation “C” license and National Soccer Coaches Association of America state and regional goalkeeping licenses. McKee will also serve as the Girls Director of Coaching at Northern Illinois Football Club.
The Huskies will open the 2012 season Friday, Aug. 17, with a showdown at Drake in Des Moines, Iowa.
For more information on NIU women’s soccer and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
