Former MLS Champion Waibel Named Assistant Coach
3/31/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
March 31, 2011
ANN ARBOR Mich. -- University of Michigan head men's soccer coach Steve Burns announced Wednesday (March 30) that Craig Waibel, most recently a defender of the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer, will be joining the staff as an assistant coach.
"Coaching is a people business and Craig has all the skills to be one of the best," said Burns. "I think it's rare to find a guy with his successful playing background and competitive fire that is so well grounded. Craig is an effective teacher and has a genuine love for helping people reach their full potential. Our team is going to benefit immensely and find even more success in the future with Craig as part of our staff."
Waibel joins the Wolverine coaching staff after a 10-year professional career in Major League Soccer, including stints with the Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy. Waibel, a native of Bellevue, Wash., most recently led the Houston Dynamo to back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007 as a starting defender. Waibel also earned MLS Cup titles with the Earthquakes in 2003 and the Galaxy in 2002.
"It is an honor to be joining one of the elite soccer programs in the nation within one of the most impressive athletic departments in all of collegiate sports," said Waibel. "I'd like to thank Coach Burns and the U-M administration for the opportunity. The success of the program speaks for itself and I am extremely excited to have the honor of donning the Maize and Blue.
"After having played for three of the most successful coaches in Major League Soccer history, I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the present team and the recruits. I am excited to be a part of their growth and transition into the professional game if that is what they choose to pursue."
Waibel was a four-year letterman and a 1999 graduate of the University of Washington, where he was named first-team all-conference and earned all-region honors. A two-time captain in 1997 and 1998, he led the Huskies to back-to-back Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships and to a No. 1 ranking during the 1997 season. Waibel was selected in the first round of the 1999 pro draft and made his MLS debut in 2000.
During Waibel's time with the Dynamo, he also served as a volunteer assistant with the Rice women's soccer team and also spent time as a volunteer assistant at his alma mater during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.
In addition to his extensive professional career, Waibel has a long time history of philanthropy and was a five-time Major League Soccer Humanitarian of the Year. Waibel is currently involved in several charitable organizations in the Houston area.
The Wolverines continue their spring season with a contest at Western Michigan on Saturday (April 2) at 2 p.m. at Western Michigan's Riddle Field in Kalamazoo, Mich. U-M concludes the spring slate against in-state rival Michigan State on Saturday, April 9, at 4:30 p.m. at Ultimate Soccer in Pontiac, Mich.
Contact: Jessica Poole (734) 763-4423
