Wheaton, Ill. – Wheaton College (Ill.) Athletics Director Julie Davis ('91) has announced the appointment of Steve McCrath as the head coach of the Wheaton men's soccer team. McCrath comes to Wheaton from Barry University where he has served as the head men's soccer coach since 1998.

McCrath replaces John Gosling, who served as Wheaton's interim head coach for the 2021 season following the resignation of Jake DeClute in August of 2021. McCrath becomes the 18th head men's soccer coach in 85 seasons of Wheaton men's soccer.

Davis says of the hiring of McCrath, "Steve comes with demonstrated excellence and experience as a successful soccer coach. His desire and passion to integrate Christian faith with competitive soccer was apparent throughout the interview process. I am thrilled to be able to welcome him to the Wheaton community!"

McCrath began his tenure as the head men's soccer coach at Barry in Miami Shores, Florida in 1998. He compiled a 241-135-39 (62.8%) record in 23 seasons with the Buccaneers. His teams made nine NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including the 2018 season that ended with a Division II National Championship and a 2000 National Runner-Up finish. McCrath coached 25 Division II All-Americans in his tenure at Barry.

Prior to his appointment as Barry's head coach, McCrath served as an assistant coach to his father Cliff McCrath at Seattle Pacific University. Cliff is a 1958 graduate of Wheaton and served as its head men's soccer coach in 1958. Steve was a four-year letterwinner as a player at Seattle Pacific (1986-89), helping guide the Falcons to the 1986 Division II Championship and as a team captain in 1989 he earned NCAA Division II All-Region honors. He earned his bachelor's degree from Seattle Pacific in communications in 1990 and received a master's degree in physical education with a concentration in sports administration from SPU in 1993.

Steve played professionally with the Seattle Storm of the Western Soccer League and later with the Milwaukee Wave of the National Professional Soccer League. He finished his professional career with the Everett Bigfoot in the U.S.I.S.L. Division III and toured with Athletes-in-Action to South Africa in 1996.

Steve McCrath says, "I know that leadership is difficult and making choices for others can be difficult, so I am very grateful that President Ryken, Vice President [for Student Development] Paul Chelsen, and Athletics Director Julie Davis all sensed that I was not just a person on paper, but an extension for them as I lead the Wheaton soccer team."

McCrath continues, "This has been the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life, but I say that in a good way." He adds, "I wanted to make sure that God wanted me to do it and I could sense that when I was interviewing at Wheaton. Additionally, this is a challenge for me as a coach because Division III presents different challenges than Division II. That will take some getting used to, but I think that is what is best for my family and I'm honored to follow in some great coaching shoes."

McCrath says of what Wheaton soccer fans have to look forward to under his leadership, "I would pray, and I would hope that the students and fans of Wheaton soccer will recognize a vibrant program and it would create a buzz. I want our team to realize there is something special about our program and make that connection with our Thunder supporters."