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
