PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- Lake Erie College Athletics announced today that Carl Contrascier has been named the new head coach for the women's soccer program.
"We are elated to have Coach Contrascier join the staff of LEC," said Molly Hoffman, Executive Director of Athletics. "His connections to the soccer community in northeast Ohio as well as his passion for the sport makes him an excellent fit to be the next leader of Storm Women's Soccer. His leadership on and off the field as well as his vision for success align well with the mission and vision of Storm Athletics."
Contrascier comes to Lake Erie after serving as an assistant coach for the men's soccer program at Case Western Reserve during the spring of 2024. Prior, he spent eight years with the Division I Cleveland State University men's and women's soccer programs. He started as an assistant coach and goalkeepers coach with the women's team in 2015 and was promoted to associate head coach prior to the 2021 season. Contrascier worked with the Viking men's program as its goalkeeper coach from 2019-23.
"I would like to thank President Schuller, Athletic Director Molly Hoffman, Coach Louie (Rolko), and all those I spoke with during the hiring process to give me the opportunity to lead the Lake Erie College Women's Soccer Team," said Contrascier. "I am extremely grateful and excited to get started with a team and a program that I believe is poised for success. Lake Erie College has made great strides over the past few years and I am energized to be a part of the direction the school and program is going. I am thankful to everyone who has helped me out in my college coaching journey to lead me to this point, including my club coaching family at Cleveland Force Soccer Club. I was able to get my start with Coach Marich and Marinaro at John Carroll, without these coaches taking a chance on me I wouldn't be where I am now. This led me to getting great opportunities with Coach Curvelo, Coach Ubiparipovic and especially Coach Boyer at Cleveland State who taught me more than he will realize. Thank you to Coach Poe at Case Western Reserve for not only giving me an opportunity but supporting me to chase my dream of becoming a Head Coach. I also want to give special thanks to my fiance and the rest of my family for supporting me over the years, and to Coach Kyle Dietrich who taught me not only the game of soccer but specifically how to teach the game and help me fall in love with coaching. Leading a team is not something I take lightly, and being able to guide and mentor young athletes is the main reason I love my job as a coach. We will be a team of great character, passion, and intensity. A team that will be progressive, dynamic, and one that no one will enjoy playing against. Our team will be defined and characterized by our relentless pursuit of perfection not only on the field but in the classroom and dedication in the community. The season begins shortly and I can't wait to begin the process."
During his time with the CSU women's soccer team, Contrascier helped the Vikings go 49-55-14 (.475) across seven seasons, including three appearances in the Horizon League Championship Tournament. In his second season with the program, the Vikings had the best season in program history, recording an 11-7-1 overall record and securing the program's first-ever appearance in the Horizon League Championship match.
Prior to his time in Cleveland, Contrascier spent two seasons working as an assistant coach and goalkeepers coach for both the men's and women's teams at John Carroll University, his alma mater. Both Blue Streak teams appeared in the Ohio Athletic Conference Championship match during his time at the University Heights campus. As a player, Contrascier was named to the All-OAC First Team in 2011 and finished his career with 27 wins (third-most in JCU history), 15 shutouts (third-most in JCU history), and 193 saves (fourth-most in JCU history).
Contrascier has coached a variety of youth and club teams in the Cleveland area, most recently serving as the Head Coach of the Cleveland Force SC U15 and U19 ECNL Teams. He has earned the USSF National B License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA State Goalkeeping License, and NSCAA Director of Coaching License. Contrascier graduated from John Carroll in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in history and education and earned an associate degree in the arts from Cuyahoga Community College in 2010.