Why play soccer at Grace University? That’s simple, our coaches know the sport. They will help you as an individual player and will be able to coach the team in a way that will help you improve. However, Grace soccer also exists to help you as a person. We strive to use the avenue of soccer to further Grace’s mission. Our goal is to build on the development of character in each of the Christian Men that participate. This means coaching you in how to be a servant leader in: the home, the Church. and the world. At the same time players are able to build relationships, work hard, and have fun. That is why we play soccer at Grace University.

Jon McNeel

Coach McNeel is starting his fourth year at Grace and his third season as head coach for the Royals soccer program.  Coach McNeel has been around soccer for 35 years having played soccer from elementary to  high school and college, and has coached age groups from 1st grade to U-19 before coming to Grace University.  He attended schools in South Carolina and Colorado and earned an undergraduate degree in History and Political Science and a graduate degree in curriculum  and instruction  from Colorado Christian University.

Growth as individuals is one of McNeel's greatest goals. "I want each player to develop a commitment to excellence that is expressed in their academics, their ministry, and their community life on campus as well as on the field". As the Royals look to face the challenges before them, Coach McNeel is focused on helping his men prepare for those challenges and work to overcome them. He desires to use the game of soccer to advance the Kingdom of God, and to "use soccer as a way to reach kids for Christ in our community and around the world." Coach McNeel is excited about working with guys who love God with all their heart and love to play soccer.

One of McNeel's favorite quotes is from Chuck Swindoll, 'You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.' "May each one of us treat others with the love that Christ shows us," said McNeel.

Married 21 years to his wife Jackie, they have four children: Shawnta, 18; Hunter, 17; Trenton, 15; and Colton, 13.