De Pere names Steger new girls soccer coach

DE PERE - De Pere has announced it has hired Andy Steger as its girls soccer coach.

“I am excited to start working for the De Pere girls soccer program and look to build on the success and tradition Coach (Trisha) Rhodes established,” said Steger, who's the head of the special education department at De Pere. “I’m proud to be a part of this winning program and look forward to working with this talented group of young women.”

Steger has been coaching soccer for more than 20 years, including at the college and high school level since 1994. Most recently, he has been the director for the Green Bay Lightning soccer club since 2012.

From 2008-2011, he was head coach of the St. Norbert College men’s team. He also led the varsity boys and girls squads at Burlington High School (2003-08) and Green Bay Preble (1996-2003). At Preble, Steger’s teams combined for five sectional championships, with the boys advancing to two WIAA state semifinal appearances.

“We are fortunate to have a coach with Andy’s knowledge and experience come to the program,” said Jeff Byczek, De Pere athletics director.

Rhodes resigned after 11 seasons with the Redbirds, who reached the Division 1 state title game last season before losing to Madison West.