Bolivar, Mo. – SBU Director of Athletics, Clark Sheehy, is excited to announce Debbie Pekel as the next head women's soccer coach.
 
"We are very excited to welcome Coach Pekel to SBU!" Sheehy said, "Throughout the interview process it became clear what a great fit she is for our Women's Soccer program and our university. She will bring a strong mission alignment and a very solid soccer background to our department. It's a great day to be a Bearcat!"
 
Coach Pekel joins the Bearcats after leading the Spartanburg Methodist College women's soccer team to their first AAC conference tournament game in just her first season as head coach. She comes in with 10 years of coaching in collegiate, youth club, and pre-professional levels.
 
"It's an honor to join Southwest Baptist University as the Head Women's Soccer Coach. I plan to lead with professionalism, intentionality, and faith – shaping a program where excellence is expected, character is cultivated, and Christ is at the center of how we work and how we compete" – Coach Pekel said.
 
Prior to her time with the Pioneers, Coach Pekel demonstrated her program-building talent by creating New College of Florida's first intercollegiate women's soccer team. Competing in the formidable Sun Conference, she achieved nine wins in two years while assembling a roster of high-academic, high-character student-athletes for both varsity and reserve squads.
 
"I want to thank President Rick Melson, Athletic Director Clark Sheehy, and the entire SBU family for inviting me into this role. Their trust means so much. God has been faithful in guiding this step, and I'm excited to serve a community that values both Christ-Centered leadership and competitive excellence. Go Bearcats!"
 
As a dual sport athlete, soccer and basketball, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Grace Christian University. As a student-athlete, Pekel earned All-American honors twice in her career, 1^st team in 2016 and 2^nd  team in 2013. She was named 2016 Mideast Regional MVP and was a four-time All-Region player. She helped lead the team to a National Runner up. Due to her accomplishments, she was awarded the top athletic award, the Frank Vanderlaan Award, from Grace Christian University for her success and leadership within the program. Most recently, she was inducted into the 2025 Hall of Fame at Grace Christian University.
 
Coach Pekel later went on to get her Master of Business Administration from the University of Pikeville. She has a USSF B License, Advanced National GK Diploma, and Advanced National Diploma in certification.

Anyone interested in contacting coach Pekel can reach out to her by emailing athletics@sbuniv.edu.