John Klein was hired as Southeast Missouri's Head Women's Soccer Coach on Jan. 22, 2025.
Klein, who agreed to a three-year contract through 2027, is just the second head coach in SEMO women's soccer history.
"We are excited to welcome John to SEMO as the new leader of our women's soccer program," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Brady Barke. "John's track record speaks for itself. He does a tremendous job developing talent and is a proven winner. John is so well respected in the soccer community and has incredibly strong ties to the St. Louis area and this region."
A native of St. Louis, Klein joins the Redhawks from Columbia College where he was the head coach of the men's and women's soccer teams.
Klein compiled a record of 215-50-13 at the helm of the women's program guiding the Cougars to 12 NAIA National Tournament appearances, one Elite Eight and one Final Four in 13 years. Columbia College won 21 American Midwest Conference (AMC) league/tournament titles with Klein as its head coach. He earned six AMC Coach of the Year awards, as well.
As head coach of the men's program, Klein accumulated a 343-124-50 record with 13 NAIA National Tournament berths, three Elite Eight appearances and three Final Fours. His men's teams won a total of 22 AMC league/tournament titles, and he collected a total of nine AMC and Region Coach of the Year honors. Klein was Columbia College's men's soccer coach for 25 seasons.
In all, Klein coached 183 First-Team All-Conference players, 65 All-Americans and 68 NAIA All-America Scholar-Athletes between his two head coaching positions at Columbia College. Additionally, Klein established himself as the winningest men's and women's soccer coach in Columbia College history.
As a player, Klein spent two seasons at Duke University in 1983 and 1984 before returning home to finish his career at Saint Louis University in 1985 and 1986.
Following his graduation from SLU, Klein played eight years professionally. He played outdoor for the Colorado Foxes of the American Professional Soccer League (1990-91) and Miami Freedom (1992). Klein's professional indoor experience included stints with the National Professional Soccer League's St. Louis Ambush (1992-96) and the Major Soccer League's Kansas City Comets (1990-91) and St. Louis Storm (1989-90; 1991-92).
Klein, and his wife, Julie, have a son (John) and two daughters (Molly and Emily). His son played collegiately at Saint Louis University from 2018-22 and recently joined the United Soccer League's Charleston Battery.
What they are saying about Klein . . .
"John is an excellent hire for SEMO Women's Soccer. His track record at Columbia College taking the women's team to the Final Four demonstrates his ability to build and sustain competitive programs. Having the opportunity to focus all his efforts on one program at SEMO can amplify his success while providing the team with the leadership and direction needed to achieve consistent conference championships and regular NCAA Tournament appearances. It's a big win for SEMO and his history of success suggests that their soccer program is in great hands."
Bryan Blitz
Northwestern Assistant Men's Soccer Coach
"John is an experienced and proven coach that will make a smooth transition to Division I as he understands what it takes to win in college soccer. His incredible work ethic, passion for developing student-athletes and soccer pedigree will position him well for sustainable success. He is a tremendous person, leader and man of character. I look forward to watching his teams compete for championships and thrive under his guidance."
Kevin Kalish
Saint Louis University Head Men's Soccer Coach
"John Klein comes from a family that is legendary for its soccer awareness -- playing and coaching with a strong realization that it's a sport for a changing America. In this current era of intercollegiate athletics, he's a tremendous choice to lead the Southeast Missouri women's soccer program."
Bill McDermott
2024 United Soccer Coaches Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award recipient
Earned nickname "Mr. Soccer" from Bob Costas
