James Beckmann, the all-time winningest head soccer coach in Nebraska Wesleyan history, has announced his plans to step away from the soccer coaching ranks and his position as the head men’s soccer coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University to devote more time to his family.

Beckmann served as head coach of the Prairie Wolves for eight seasons compiling a 92-52-8 overall record. He led NWU to a share of the Great Plains Athletic Conference regular season championship in 2001, and has guided the Prairie Wolves to five GPAC runner-up places, including second place finishes the past three years.

"I really appreciate all the time and effort that James has given to the NWU Men's Soccer Program," NWU Athletic Director Ira Zeff said. "He has been a big part of our success, both as a player and coach."

In 2001, Beckmann was named the GPAC Co-Coach of the Year, and he helped lead NWU to the second round of the NCAA Division III Championships in 2001 and 2002.

“I leave with mixed emotions, excited for the new chapter in my life but sad to leave a place I spent 11 years as a player and coach,” Beckmann said. “It will always be a part of who I am and who I strive to be. I wish the team and the school nothing but the best and I can’t wait to see the new look Prairie Wolves take the field.”

Beckman came to NWU in 1996 as a player where he was a three-time team captain, earning three All-Conference honors and All-Midwest Region and honorable mention All-America recognition as a senior. Beckman graduated from NWU in 1999 with a degree in education before attending the University of Nebraska Law School where he graduated in 2003. He currently has his own law firm, Beckman Law Offices.

“I would like to thank NWU, its administration, faculty and staff for the opportunity to serve as head soccer coach,” Beckman added. “I would also like to thank everyone who has worked as part of our staff, and the hundreds of families who trusted us to help their sons become men and the players who made me proud. Lastly I would like to thank my own family for its unyielding support of me, often to their own detriment.”

The search for a new men’s soccer coach will begin immediately.