Men's Soccer Mourns the Passing of Former Head Coach Hank Steinbrecher
March 26, 2025 | Men's Soccer
BOSTON – The Boston University men's soccer program mourns the passing of former head coach Hank Steinbrecher, who led the Terriers from 1981-84 and later served as secretary general for the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) for 10 years.
The 2005 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee died on Tuesday at the age of 77 in Tucson, Arizona. Born in New York City, he played with the 1970 NAIA soccer championship team at Davis & Elkins College and later coached at Warren Wilson College and at Appalachian State in North Carolina. He then spent his last four seasons in the coaching profession with the Terriers before joining the sports business world.
"When I was first named head coach in January 2020, Hank was one of the first people who reached out to congratulate and wish me the best in leading the Terriers," said BU men's soccer head coach Kevin Nylen. "I was amazed by his support, sincerity and professionalism. I got to know Hank as the years passed, and it was very clear to me that Hank had a big heart and loved the people who he was around during his soccer career. My heart is with Hank's family during this time; we lost a great person."
During his time on Commonwealth Ave., Steinbrecher coached All-Americans Cheche Vidal ('83) and Francis Okaroh ('86), who were both later inducted into the BU Athletics Hall of Fame. He also helped develop All-Region honorees Greg Davies ('84) and Gregg Swanson ('82).
"Hank was more than just a coach to me—he was an extraordinary friend, a mentor and a guiding light who touched the lives of all who knew him," said Vidal. "Our bond transcended the soccer field, and his influence reached into the very fabric of my life. I will be forever grateful to Boston University for having put him in my life."
In the summer of 1984, Steinbrecher received high marks for his work as the Harvard venue director for the 1984 Olympic soccer tournament. A year later, he left BU to become the director of sports marketing at The Quaker Oats Company in charge of Gatorade. Hired as secretary general and executive director of the USSF in November 1990, he was instrumental in helping secure and stage three of the biggest soccer events in U.S. history – the 1994 Men's World Cup, the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 1999 Women's World Cup.
Their success helped lay the foundation for the formation of multiple professional soccer leagues, starting with Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996. His name continues to resonate through the Steinbrecher Cup, which is awarded annually to the U.S. National Amateur Champion.
"I was fortunate enough to be close friends with Hank for over 40 years," said Neil Roberts, who first served as an assistant coach under Steinbrecher and then led the Terriers as head coach from 1985-2019. "It's remarkable what he was able to accomplish in his career at different stops. Soccer wise, I was able to work with him on many different things, including the Olympics and World Cups as well as BU. He was from that era of coaches in soccer whose main objective was to better the game. He carried that goal the rest of his life."
Steinbrecher is survived by his wife, Ruth Anne, and his two sons, Chad and Corey.
The 2005 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee died on Tuesday at the age of 77 in Tucson, Arizona. Born in New York City, he played with the 1970 NAIA soccer championship team at Davis & Elkins College and later coached at Warren Wilson College and at Appalachian State in North Carolina. He then spent his last four seasons in the coaching profession with the Terriers before joining the sports business world.
"When I was first named head coach in January 2020, Hank was one of the first people who reached out to congratulate and wish me the best in leading the Terriers," said BU men's soccer head coach Kevin Nylen. "I was amazed by his support, sincerity and professionalism. I got to know Hank as the years passed, and it was very clear to me that Hank had a big heart and loved the people who he was around during his soccer career. My heart is with Hank's family during this time; we lost a great person."
During his time on Commonwealth Ave., Steinbrecher coached All-Americans Cheche Vidal ('83) and Francis Okaroh ('86), who were both later inducted into the BU Athletics Hall of Fame. He also helped develop All-Region honorees Greg Davies ('84) and Gregg Swanson ('82).
"Hank was more than just a coach to me—he was an extraordinary friend, a mentor and a guiding light who touched the lives of all who knew him," said Vidal. "Our bond transcended the soccer field, and his influence reached into the very fabric of my life. I will be forever grateful to Boston University for having put him in my life."
In the summer of 1984, Steinbrecher received high marks for his work as the Harvard venue director for the 1984 Olympic soccer tournament. A year later, he left BU to become the director of sports marketing at The Quaker Oats Company in charge of Gatorade. Hired as secretary general and executive director of the USSF in November 1990, he was instrumental in helping secure and stage three of the biggest soccer events in U.S. history – the 1994 Men's World Cup, the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 1999 Women's World Cup.
Their success helped lay the foundation for the formation of multiple professional soccer leagues, starting with Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996. His name continues to resonate through the Steinbrecher Cup, which is awarded annually to the U.S. National Amateur Champion.
"I was fortunate enough to be close friends with Hank for over 40 years," said Neil Roberts, who first served as an assistant coach under Steinbrecher and then led the Terriers as head coach from 1985-2019. "It's remarkable what he was able to accomplish in his career at different stops. Soccer wise, I was able to work with him on many different things, including the Olympics and World Cups as well as BU. He was from that era of coaches in soccer whose main objective was to better the game. He carried that goal the rest of his life."
Steinbrecher is survived by his wife, Ruth Anne, and his two sons, Chad and Corey.
Rhett's Holiday Card - Boston University Athletics Holiday Video 2025
Tuesday, December 16
Boston University Athletics - 2025 Holiday Reading Program
Saturday, December 13
Highlights: Men's Soccer Patriot League First Round vs. Bucknell (11/8/2025)
Saturday, November 08
Highlights: Men's Soccer vs. Holy Cross (11/4/2025)
Wednesday, November 05
