Magic coach retires with the most wins in NJCAA women’s soccer history
Spencer Gleason
– Sports Editor –
There has only been one women’s soccer coach at STLCC-Meramec—ever. Since 1982, Jeff Karl has held that position and led the women’s soccer team to more wins than that of any other in the country.
But time has a way of catching up, and on Dec. 2, 2010, it became official. After 330 victories and 28 seasons, Karl entered the world of retirement as the all-time wins leader for a women’s soccer coach in junior college history.
Karl expressed his appreciation for the program in a STLCC press release. “Leaving Meramec as the all-time wins leader shows the consistency this program has shown. It shows the hard work and dedication that many players have given to achieve success. I’m very proud of this achievement and so very grateful to so many,” Karl said.
Karl’s career record of 330-137-38 gives him a .653 career winning percentage. Throughout his coaching career, Meramec captured 13 Region XVI championships and six district titles.
Ten times Karl’s squad found themselves in the country’s top 10 and competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) soccer tournament. The runs to the NJCAA tournament were highlighted by back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992 when the then-Warriors outscored their opponents a combined 7-0 in the championship games in the two years.
“Winning the national titles was really awesome and the greatest feeling at the time,” Karl said. “I will always remember the great ladies that have given so much to be a part of a truly special moment in our lives.”
Throughout the years, Karl took the time to teach his players the ins and outs of the game. He always looked for a way to make his players better and prepare them for a four-year school.
“He was a great guy to be around,” said Amanda Aholt, Magic soccer player in 2003 and 2004. “He taught me a lot about methods and shooting. It was fun playing for him, but he was serious come game time.”
Karl accomplished the feat of sending off numerous students to four-year schools with scholarships.
In just under three decades, he had 37 NJCAA All-Americans and a plaque with his name on it sits in two halls of fame—the Magic Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame.
“He was the first coach I had that loved his job,” Aholt said. “It was in his heart. We could go to him for anything. He was like a father figure.”
During halftime of the women’s basketball game on Feb. 9, Meramec will honor Karl and the past 28 seasons of women’s soccer at Meramec.
