Dean Duerst just finished his fourth season as the Wolverines' associate head coach. He is considered one of the top coaches in the nation following 13 years of success at the helm of the Wisconsin women's soccer team.
Duerst played an integral role in the Badgers' success for a total of 20 years before departing to take over the reigns of the U.S. Under-17 Women's National Team for the 2007 season. In addition to his responsibilities with Michigan, Duerst continues to hold a position with USA Soccer, serving as an assistant coach for the Under-23 Women's National Team.
Duerst headed the U-17 team in 2007-08, leading his squad to a perfect 4-0 international-play record, defeating Germany twice as well as Denmark and England's U-19 teams. The team also posted a 9-1 overall record, allowing just one goal during the entire season to outscore opponents by a 20-goal margin.
Prior to his stint with the national team, Duerst spent 13 years as the head coach of the Wisconsin women's soccer program. From 1994-2006, he amassed a 151-105-31 (.580) record, surpassing current U-M head coach Greg Ryan as the winningest coach in UW history. Duerst's run as head coach included eight NCAA playoff appearances, one Big Ten regular-season title and a pair of conference tournament crowns -- including the inaugural trophy.
Duerst's athletes collected a total of 25 NSCAA All-Region honors in his time with the Badgers, with 12 first-team, eight second-team and five third-team accolades. After capturing his second postseason conference title in 1996, Duerst was tabbed the Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Prior to his promotion to head coach at UW, his alma mater, Duerst served as Ryan's assistant coach for seven years. He led the Badgers' run to the 1988 NCAA semifinals as well as the 1991 national runner-up showing.
During his time under Ryan, Duerst doubled as the head coach of the U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team, leading the squad to a first-place showing at the Montricoux Tournament (France) in 1993. That same year, Duerst was charged with coaching duties for the North Team for the U.S. Olympic Festival in San Antonio, Texas. His USA resume also includes 10-plus years as the head coach of the Region II Olympic Development Program.
Duerst spent two years playing professional indoor soccer for the Milwaukee Wave and the Ft. Wayne Flames before joining the coaching ranks. He continued his career during his time as an assistant for Wisconsin, playing for and coaching the Madison 56ers, who captured the 1992 U.S. Amateur Soccer Federation National Championship.
A midfielder for the Wisconsin men's soccer team from 1982-83, Duerst earned All-Mideast Region honors both years. He ranks among the Badgers' all-time best, sitting in eighth place on the career goals list with 20 markers. He also holds UW records for most shots taken in a game (10) and in a season (82). Duerst graduated from Wisconsin with a B.S. in physical education in 1985.
The Madison native now resides in Ann Arbor with his wife Nancy and their three children, Jacob (13), Marley (11) and Reggie (7).
