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Men's Soccer Coaches

Meet our Men's Soccer Coaches
Head Coach
Aydin Gonulsen
Email
(800) 233-3550, Ext. 4355





 
Aydin Gonulsen

One of the elite collegiate coaches in the nation, Aydin Gonulsen is in entering his fourth season as the head men and women’s soccer coach at Blackburn College.

Gonulsen’s name is synonymous with winning soccer. From 1977-2001, he was the head men’s soccer coach at the University of Illinois – Springfield, where he built the Prairie Stars into a national powerhouse. Under his direction, UIS captured NAIA three national titles and were consistently known as one of the top collegiate soccer programs in the country.

Gonulsen is a two-time NAIA National Coach of the Year, named NAIA District Coach of the Year four times and is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame. In addition, Gonulsen served as head coach in two World Collegiate Championships.

He came to the United States from Izmir, Turkey in 1963 and played for two years at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, which, like Blackburn, is a Work College. He earned NJCAA All-American honors in both of his years at Warren Wilson.
Assistant Coach
Denny Umberger
Email
(800) 233-3550, Ext. 4355
 
Denny Umberger

Umberger has spent the past seven seasons as the head soccer coach at Lincolnwood High School. During his tenure, the Lancers notched six straight winning seasons including this year’s 20-8 campaign in which his team set school records for wins and shutouts (15).


In 154 games, Umberger’s record stands at 101-42-13.

“Denny adds another layer of professionalism and experience to a Blackburn soccer program rich in tradition,” said Blackburn College Provost Dr. Jeffery Aper. “Having Aydin and Denny together will enhance the educational experience for Blackburn student-athletes participating in soccer.”
Assistant Coach
Robert Steinkuehler
Email
(800) 233-3550, Ext. 4340


























Robert Steinkuehler

Rob Steinkuehler will be beginning his second season on the coaching staff at his alma mater.  His duties will include assisting with the men’s and women’s varsity teams and coaching the junior varsity women’s team.  Steinkuehler will also be in charge of all training practices for both of the women’s teams.

 

Steinkuehler is a 2009 graduate of Blackburn College, receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education while earning Magna Cum Laude honors.

 

As a player at Blackburn, Steinkuehler was a 3-year letter-winner, and two-time MVP of the team. He was also a member of the St.Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Conference Team and All-SLIAC Academic All-Conference Team.  He was also voted  Blackburn’s newcomer of the year after his first season playing.

 

Steinkuehler also was the recipient of the B-Man award in 2009, which is the highest honor the athletics department bestows on a student-athlete.  The award represents all of the athletic programs at Blackburn and recognizes just one male and one female athlete per school year.

 

Steinkuehler was a member of the Swanner United Premier Indoor team out of Glen Carbon, Illinois, where he had the opportunity to compete against a professional team, The Milwaukee Wave.

 

A 2004 graduate of Jerseyville High School in Jerseyville, Illinois, Steinkuehler was named to the Mississippi Valley Conference All-Conference Team.  Steinkuehler was also named to the Alton-Telegraph all-area team as well as the Belleville News-Democrat all-area team.  He was also named the panthers Most Valuable Player twice as well as the offensive player of the year.

 

Steinkuehler will also serve in a dual capacity as the coordinator of intramurals at Blackburn.  Through the student life office, Steinkuehler will oversee the intramural programs at Blackburn in regards to scheduling and officiating intramural contests.