Debbie Pekel Named Head Women's Soccer Coach at Spartanburg Methodist College

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Spartanburg Methodist College athletic director Megan Aiello announced today the hiring of Debbie Pekel as the head women’s soccer coach.

Pekel comes to SMC after gaining valuable experience as the head coach at the New College of Florida in Sarasota and as an assistant coach at nearby Bob Jones University in Greenville.

"I am thrilled to have Debbie join us at SMC," Aiello said. "She has a great love and familiarity with the Upstate area, the state of South Carolina and the NAIA. Her vision, background, and personal core values align perfectly with Spartanburg Methodist College. We look forward to working with Debbie to position our women’s soccer program for sustained conference and postseason success."

“I am excited to join the SMC family and to lead this program as it enters the AAC," said Pekel. "I want to thank Megan (Aiello) and President Scott (Cochran) for their support to lead this program to new heights. I aim to represent our institution and department with excellence and to create a positive team culture that leads to success both on the field and off!” 

After a standout playing career at Grace Christian University, leading the program to their first regional championship and national runner-up finish, Pekel entered the coaching ranks. 

Since 2015, she has coached Girls High School Varsity, Youth Clubs/Academies, College, and National Pro-Amateur.

As a student-athlete during her four years, Pekel earned All-American honors twice in her career, first team in 2016 and second team in 2013. Plus, she was a four-time All-Region player and the 2016 Mideast Regional MVP. She is currently third for the most goals in program history and first in most assists in program history. For these contributions, she was awarded the top athletic award, the Frank Vanderlaan Award, in 2017 from Grace Christian University for her success and leadership in the program. 

Pekel holds her USSF B License, NSCAA Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma, and the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

She has her bachelor’s degree from Grace Christian University and a MBA from the University of Pikeville.