OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University Director of Athletics Dr. Jared Sumsion has announced the hiring of Highland, Utah native and longtime assistant Michael Chesler as the next head coach of the men's soccer program.
Chesler, who has been the associate head coach for the last two campaigns, has spent nine seasons on staff at Utah Valley across three separate stints, and will be the third head coach in the program's 12-year history. Chesler holds a U.S. Soccer Federation A License, recognized as one of the highest coaching credentials in the country.
"Michael Chesler has earned the opportunity to lead our men's soccer program," said Sumsion. "This was an extremely deep and competitive candidate pool due to our upward trajectory, first-class facilities, and the opportunity to win at Utah Valley. We have seen first-hand the impressive work that Coach Chesler has put into this program. His student-athletes love him and speak highly of his coaching acumen and dedication to their development. We look forward to the continued ascent of the men's soccer program under his leadership and are thrilled to see us compete for championships with him at the helm."
"My sincerest appreciation goes to Athletic Director Jared Sumsion, President Astrid Tuminez, and Vice President Val Peterson for providing me with this extraordinary opportunity," said Chesler. "Having been a part of the UVU family for nine years, I've always recognized the incredible potential and special atmosphere being cultivated here. I am deeply humbled and tremendously honored to be chosen to guide our program into what promises to be a very successful next chapter. Furthermore, I want to formally recognize all former staff and players; their commitment has been instrumental in building the strong foundation we stand on today. I am honored, ready, and incredibly excited to help push this program forward."
Chesler has been with the program in various capacities since its inception in 2014. Chesler spent the first two seasons on staff as a volunteer assistant, then after a year away, returned for the next six and served in a variety of roles, including goalkeepers coach, associate head coach and interim head coach during the spring 2021 season. After two years away coaching on the Utah youth soccer circuit, Chesler returned prior to the 2024 season as the associate head coach.
With Chesler on staff, the Wolverines have seen tremendous success in all facets, including a 2015 NCAA Tournament berth, record-setting individual performances, and berths in the WAC Tournament in all but one full season. In his coaching career, Chesler has coached 38 All-League honorees, 11 All-Region players, three Freshman All-Americans, one Offensive Player of the Year, one All-American, four scholar All-Americans, and 21 athletes who went on to play professionally.
Since returning to Utah Valley for his third stint, Chesler has guided Utah Valley to two of the most impressive defensive seasons in program history. In 2025, the Wolverines started the season with a WAC record six-straight shutouts, with Kolby Sessions tying the team record for most clean sheets by a keeper in a single season and posting the second-best goals against average at 0.73. In 2024, the Wolverines led the WAC in goals against average and registered five shutouts.
Chesler attended Mountain View High School in Orem, and went on to be a four-year starter at High Point University in North Carolina from 2008-11. With the Panthers, Chesler was named to the Big South All-Freshman team in 2008 and first team All-Big South in 2010. A three-year captain, Chesler still holds several goalkeeping records at HPU, including games started, minutes played, and wins. Chesler also played professionally with Real Salt Lake as a practice player and the Carolina Railhawks of the USL.
COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER
2014-15: Volunteer Asst./GK Coach, Utah Valley
2016: Assistant Coach, High Point
2017: Asst. Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, Utah Valley
2018-21: Assoc. Head Coach, Utah Valley
Spring 2021: Interim Head Coach, Utah Valley
Fall 2021: Asst. Coach, Utah Valley
2024-25: Assoc. Head Coach, Utah Valley
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT COACH CHESLER
"Michael has the experience as a player and coach to be very successful at the Division I level as a leader. Just as important, he has the character and personality to ensure a strong culture for his program, on and off the field. His values will be shared by everyone in his organization, and that will provide sustainable success for the short and long term." - Zach Haines, High Point Men's Soccer Head Coach
"Coach Chesler is a phenomenal coach and person. He is extremely deserving of the head coaching position at UVU. He was a big part of the staff that changed my life and made me the player and person I am today. I would love for future UVU athletes to experience the same support and guidance I had during my college career." - Omar Yehya, Utah Valley men's soccer alum and 2024 All-Region honoree
"Michael has been a steadfast steward of the Utah Valley men's soccer program for nearly a decade, contributing not only his deep knowledge of the sport but also his unwavering commitment to the university and its community. Few coaches embody the spirit and long-term vision of a program the way Michael does. He understands the foundation, the culture, and the aspirations of UVU men's soccer because he has lived them every day. He recruits and knows talent in Utah." - Jamie Franks, Denver University Men's Soccer Head Coach
