Evergreen State College Coach to be Inducted into WSSA Hall of Fame
OLYMPIA, WA - Head Men's and Women's Soccer coach John Purtteman will be recognized by the Washington State Soccer Association (WSSA) for his contributions to the sport of Soccer. On May 9, 2009 Purttman will be inducted into the WSSA Hall of Fame.
Purtteman, who is an alumni of The Evergreen State College, has been the men's head coach since the 2006 season and added the women's coaching position in 2007.
As a former two-time Most Valuable and Most Inspirational Player for the Geoducks between the '81 and '84 seasons, Purtteman has not only contributed his talent to playing for the Geoducks, but coaching them as well.
Of the nine coaches that have directed the men's program at Evergreen since 1980, Purtteman's record ranks him 4th among his peers in winning percentage. Seventeen men and women have earned All-Conference honors, including two All-Americans, since Purtteman has been head coach.
Many ESC soccer players past and present do not know the accomplishments of their coach. Purtteman is humble and directs his focus to the players, not his own past play.
Recent Geoduck soccer graduate Matt Stalnik played two years at Evergreen for Purtteman and prior to that with the Tacoma Stars. The former All-Conference goal keeper was surprised to hear the news.
"I didn't know he was being inducted. That's great!"
When asked how Purtteman has influenced him he adds, "Coach has really good technical knowledge of how the game is played. He has especially helped me understand the indoor game which will help me in the future".
Stalnik played with the Denver Dynamite professional indoor team this past winter and will join the Wenatchee Fire (Wenatchee, WA) in the upcoming indoor season.
For many college coaches, having a side gig to keep them involved in coaching is a necessary but time consuming reality. Purtteman has made it easier on himself by imbedding himself in a sport he has obvious passion for.
In addition to his coaching at Evergreen, Purtteman directs and coaches at the Golden Goals Soccer Camp located near Shelton, WA, holds summer soccer camps at Evergreen, during the winter months organizes an youth indoor soccer league and coaches the Tacoma Stars indoor soccer team.
After college Purtteman went on to play professionally, having played in the Continental Indoor Soccer League (CISL) with the Seattle SeaDogs and Portland Pride. During his time with both teams he was named Team Captain and earned CISL All-Star status.
In 1997 Purtteman was given the honor of Washington State Soccer Association Player of The Year.
Men's soccer is the longest running sport at Evergreen and Purtteman was lucky enough to be at the helm for the programs 500th Game Anniversary this past season.
Evergreen soccer players are fortunate to have a great role model as their coach and The Evergreen State College is honored in return by Purtteman's accomplishments.