Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Mourns the Passing of Former Soccer Coach Michael Kunert
7/9/2024 4:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Long-time men’s soccer coach spent 19 seasons at the helm of Wildcats’ program
EVANSTON, Ill. (July 9, 2024) – The Northwestern University men's soccer program mourns the passing of former head coach Michael Kunert, who passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday, June 30. Kunert served as the Wildcats' men's soccer coach from the 1982 through 2000 seasons.
During his time in Evanston, Kunert, who came to Northwestern ahead of the 1981 season as an assistant coach before ascending to the head job, piloted the 'Cats to 110 victories. During the 1988 campaign, the Berlin, Germany native led Northwestern to a then program-best 14-4-1 finish. The Wildcats also tallied double-digit wins in the 1985 and 1987 seasons under Kunert's watch.
In his penultimate year at the helm in 1999, Kunert helped the 'Cats pick up their first Big Ten Conference Tournament win in program history, a 1-0 blanking of Wisconsin. Northwestern also saw three players earn All-Big Ten honors at the end of the season.
Prior to his arrival at Northwestern, Kunert coached the Midwest Regional Team from 1985-87, working directly with candidates for the U.S. Men's National Team. He also spent six years as the head coach for the Chicago Northshore American Youth Soccer Organization.
Before joining the coaching ranks, Kunert played professionally for Hertha BSC, a top-division club based out of Berlin, Germany. He also served for seven years in the U.S. Army, receiving the Purple Heart.
A 1970 graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Kunert completed his graduate work at Northwestern in 1972, earning both his Master's degree and Ph.D. He is survived by his wife, Louise, sons, Mark and Kurt, the latter of whom lettered for four seasons (1988-91) while playing for his father, and grandsons, Ryker and Donovan.
Memorial contributions can be made to either the National Kidney Foundation, St. Jude's Children Hospital, or the Wounded Warrior Project.
During his time in Evanston, Kunert, who came to Northwestern ahead of the 1981 season as an assistant coach before ascending to the head job, piloted the 'Cats to 110 victories. During the 1988 campaign, the Berlin, Germany native led Northwestern to a then program-best 14-4-1 finish. The Wildcats also tallied double-digit wins in the 1985 and 1987 seasons under Kunert's watch.
In his penultimate year at the helm in 1999, Kunert helped the 'Cats pick up their first Big Ten Conference Tournament win in program history, a 1-0 blanking of Wisconsin. Northwestern also saw three players earn All-Big Ten honors at the end of the season.
Prior to his arrival at Northwestern, Kunert coached the Midwest Regional Team from 1985-87, working directly with candidates for the U.S. Men's National Team. He also spent six years as the head coach for the Chicago Northshore American Youth Soccer Organization.
Before joining the coaching ranks, Kunert played professionally for Hertha BSC, a top-division club based out of Berlin, Germany. He also served for seven years in the U.S. Army, receiving the Purple Heart.
A 1970 graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Kunert completed his graduate work at Northwestern in 1972, earning both his Master's degree and Ph.D. He is survived by his wife, Louise, sons, Mark and Kurt, the latter of whom lettered for four seasons (1988-91) while playing for his father, and grandsons, Ryker and Donovan.
Memorial contributions can be made to either the National Kidney Foundation, St. Jude's Children Hospital, or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Men's Soccer - Johnson, O’Reilly Power ‘Cats Past Ohio State In 2025 Finale, 2-1 (11/7/25)
Saturday, November 08
Men's Soccer - 'Cats Knock off No. 17 Hoosiers, 2-0 (10/31/25)
Saturday, November 01
Men's Soccer - 'Cats Blank Evansville In Non-Conference Finale, 1-0 (10/7/25)
Wednesday, October 08
Men's Soccer - 'Cats Earn Gutsy 2-1 Win Over Rutgers (9/19/25)
Saturday, September 20
