Shea Bechtel '25 is in his first season as an assistant coach for the St. Olaf men's soccer program in 2026-27.
One of the most decorated players in program history, Bechtel was a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American, earning second-team honors in both 2023 and 2024. He was also a three-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region selection, the 2024 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Offensive Player of the Year, the 2021 MIAC Rookie of the Year, and one of two four-time All-MIAC honorees in program history.
Bechtel ended his career as St. Olaf's all-time leader in career points (129), goals (42), and assists (45) to become one of 23 NCAA Division III men's soccer players on record to record 40 goals and 40 assists in their career. His 15 game-winning goals, 260 shots, and 129 shots on goal are also the most in program history. Bechtel started 91 of the 93 games he played in, which rank second all-time.
In addition to his on-field accolades, Bechtel was a two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American, earning first-team honors in 2024 and second-team honors in 2023. He was also a three-time CSC Academic All-District honoree, a three-time Academic All-MIAC honoree, a 2023 United Soccer Coaches First Team Scholar All-American, and a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region honoree.
Bechtel helped his teams an overall record of 69-15-10 (.787), including a 33-2-5 (.888) mark in MIAC play, three MIAC regular-season titles, three MIAC Playoff titles, four NCAA Tournament appearances, and the 2023 NCAA Division III national title.
Bechtel graduated from St. Olaf in 2025 with a degree in quantitative economics. He was named the male recipient of the athletic department's Dave Hauck Award in recognition of his athletic and academic excellence and community service.
