Ostergaard
David Bates Photo

Spotlight on men's soccer coach Peter Ostergaard

Peter Ostergaard has been the head men's soccer coach at the University of New England for seven seasons. The native of Vedbaek, Denmark has a degree from Lyngby Business School.

What memorable moment(s) at UNE do you recall most often?
I have many memorable moments. My student-athletes have personal success, anything from them getting into grad school or getting a job, buying a house or getting married. All those things make me very happy. Seeing UNE teams winning championship and seeing my colleagues having success, too.

What do you hope the UNE student-athletes learn from their interactions with you?
My goal has always been very clear and all my student-athletes know it -- men's soccer graduates adults. 

Why did you get into the profession and what has kept you in it?
Growing up in a soccer club in Denmark, it's the tradition that maybe two or three players would be picked at 14-15 years old to coach the younger kids in the Club. I got picked and it sounded better than a paper route or working in the local grocery store, so I became a coach. I stopped coaching once I made the my club's semi pro team, which lasted 12-13 years. When I retired from playing in my early 30's, I got back into coaching. I had the honor to coach my old club team to a promotion to the Danish 2 division. 

What is your favorite physical location on UNE's Biddeford campus?
Hazard 1.

Who has been a mentor(s) related to the profession?
I have a great network of pro coaches that I have listened to and taken bits and pieces from. 

What activity(s) do you like to do away from campus that helps balance your life?
I like driving my motorcycles, and I watch way to much European soccer on TV. 
 

Catch up on previous spotlights:
Ed Silva, men's basketball
Danielle Collins, field hockey
Curt Smyth, associate director of athletics
Ashley Potvin-Fulford, women's rugby
Kasey Keenan '02, men's golf
Lyndie Kelley '11, strength & conditioning
David Venditti, women's ice hockey
Carly Gettler, women's soccer
Tristan Durgin '07, sports information
Sue Estabrook, women's lacrosse
Rick Hayes, women's swimming
Patty Williams, assistant director of athletics