George Kiefer (soccer)

George Kiefer (born October 11, 1971) is a former college and professional soccer player and current college soccer coach, now leading the Grand Canyon Antelopes men's soccer team after being named head coach in 2023. Previously, Kiefer was the head coach at South Florida for 15 seasons and NC State for seven seasons. As a head coach, Kiefer has led his teams to 13 NCAA tournaments.

Playing career
Kiefer played four years of college soccer under legendary coach Ray Reid at Southern Connecticut from 1990 to 1993.

He appeared in 48 career games, scoring eight goals and assisting on 12 more for 28 points.

While a member of the Owls program, Kiefer's teams went 74–8–8 (.867) and claimed two NCAA Division II national championships.

Kiefer played professionally for the Connecticut Wolves in 1994 and 1995.

Coaching career
Kiefer began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater Southern Connecticut for two seasons before following Ray Reid to UConn. In seven seasons assisting Reid, Kiefer helped lead teams to a 123–26–8 (.809) record. UConn made four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances from 1998 to 2001.

Kiefer earned his first head coaching opportunity at South Florida, beginning a 15-year run leading the Bulls in 2002. Kiefer was the 2005 NSCAA South Region Coach of the Year. He posted a 162–84–47 record as head coach and won five conference championships. His Bulls reached the Elite Eight twice.

Prior to the 2017 season, Kiefer was selected to replace Kelly Findley as the NC State Wolfpack head coach. He led the Wolfpack to NCAA tournament appearances in his first three seasons.

NC State and Kiefer mutually agreed to part ways following the 2023 season.

Kiefer was announced as the head coach at Grand Canyon on Dec. 20, 2023.