(Have photos to go with this story? Email pics to Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and also list the photo credit as well.)
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
BY WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan University men's soccer head coach Chad Wiseman announced the addition of assistant coaches Joshua Oakley and Sam Biek for the 2025 campaign.
The pair bring a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the program as WMU looks to build on its postseason success over the first half of the decade.
With over two decades of coaching experience and a history of building championship-caliber teams, Oakley brings an impressive track record of success to WMU. Known for his strategic defensive organization, dedication to academic achievement, and ability to nurture talent, Oakley has built a reputation as a transformative leader in collegiate soccer.
“Coach Oakley has a proven track record as a head coach,” Wiseman said. “I think his coaching style complements both coach Lyons and myself effortlessly. We will welcome his experiences and various ideas that come with that. I have known Coach Oakley a long time, mostly coaching against him at various levels. We share the same drive to compete for championships on the field, perform at our best in the classroom and help develop young men to be prepared for their next phase in life. What a great addition to our staff and our soccer community.”
“It is an honor to be invited to join the Western Michigan Men's Soccer coaching staff,” said Oakley. “I am inspired to be a part of what Coach Wiseman, along with his current and former coaches and players, have built here. For many years, I had the privilege of learning from staff, players, alumni and friends of WMU about what it means to be a Bronco. I am excited to get the opportunity to live it.”
“Most of my career background has required me to work diligently at creating ways for teams that I’ve coached to be tougher to play against and harder for opponents to beat. I’m eager to offer anything I'm capable of that can help elevate Broncos Soccer even higher.”
Most recently, Oakley served as the head coach at Eastern Illinois University, where he led the program to significant milestones. In just one year, he quadrupled the team's win total and guided EIU to its first postseason conference tournament appearance in five years, advancing to the semifinals for the first time in 16 years. Under his leadership, the Panthers also achieved academic excellence, earning the top GPA among EIU men's programs in consecutive years (3.5 in 2022-23 and 3.53 in 2024).
Oakley’s career includes head coaching stints at Lansing Common FC, Spring Arbor University, Alma College, and Asbury College. At each stop, he demonstrated his ability to cultivate winning cultures. At Lansing Common FC, Oakley coached two players who became MLS Draft picks and guided the team to multiple divisional honors, including back-to-back Midwest Premier League-East Division runner-up finishes. During his time at Spring Arbor University, he led the team to two Crossroads League titles, earned two Coach of the Year awards, and maintained a national ranking throughout his tenure.
At Alma College, Oakley achieved multiple program firsts, including leading the team to its inaugural postseason victory and setting a school record for shutouts in 2016. He also mentored Alma's first All-American in 17 years and its first Academic All-American. Earlier in his career, Oakley revitalized the program at Asbury College, achieving its first winning season in 25 years while capturing back-to-back KIAC championships.
Beyond collegiate soccer, Oakley has worked with elite youth players through the Illinois Olympic Development Program and prominent clubs in Michigan, further showcasing his commitment to player development at all levels.Biek holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Bethel University (2019), where he was a student-athlete and two-year captain. At Bethel, Biek graduated with Cum Laude honors. He also played for Wiseman during the 2019 season while earning a Master’s of Business Administration.“Always a proud day for me when we have a former Bronco come back to Kalamazoo and want to get involved in the coaching side of things,” said Wiseman.
“Coach Biek is a proven winner, on and off the field. For me, he is just a great person to be around each and every day. We have a load of players within our roster and soon to be joining our roster that aspire to play this game at the next level. What a great resource for our athletes to have in coach Biek, having just retired from professional soccer. Sam is a highly motivated young coach who is extremely motivated to learn and develop.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Bronco Soccer program as an assistant coach,” Biek said. “Having played here in 2019 for Coach Wiseman before turning professional, I am incredibly thankful for the time I had at Western Michigan. It’s amazing to see how the program has grown to become one of the best in the country, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”
His playing career includes an impressive list of accolades and professional experience. Biek is a three-time National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American and two-time NAIA All-Crossroads Team selection. At the NCAA Division I level, Biek excelled, earning All Mid-American Conference First Team and All-Region Second Team honors while playing for the Brown and Gold in 2019.
Following his collegiate career, Biek spent five seasons playing professionally in three different countries, representing teams including Charleston Battery (USL Championship), Miami FC (USL Championship), FC Rot-Weiss Erfurt (Germany), SV Horn 2 (Austria), and FC Tucson (USL League One).In addition to his playing career, Biek has served as a private and group training coach, recruiting clients for individual and group sessions. He has also spent time as a youth academy coach in Germany and Austria while playing for RW Erfurt and SV Horn. Biek also organized futsal training during a “Purpose” futsal initiative, offered training sessions and coached at weekend tournaments during winter months. Biek is currently taking his USSF B License course as he transitions from playing to coaching.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WATCH THE NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=National+Soccer+Network
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the National Soccer Network regarding club/youth soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with ties to a particular state or states, contact Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 32-year veteran of the Michigan and national media circles and recently joined the staff full time at PMG in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/NSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
PREMIER MEDIA GROUP / NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON-LINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561215500230
TWITTER: https://x.com/natsoccertv
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/misoccernetwork/
ROKU TV: The National Soccer Network (NSN) is available on Roku TV through the NSN Sports Network app.
— All Rights Reserved, Premier Media Group / National Soccer Network
Comments