Ziemer joins SCA after over 20 years in Santa Rosa United as a player, coach and director of coaching and is excited to join the SCA program.
“I enjoyed my time working with the families and coaches in Santa Rosa United and wish them all of the best, but I am very excited to work in SCA where my daughters have played for the past three seasons,” said Ziemer. “I look forward to working with the SCA board and coaches to continue to develop the players, teams and club.”
Ziemer grew up in Sonoma County and was a two-time All-American at Sonoma State University before embarking on a playing career which included the North Bay Breakers and Chico Rooks of the USISL as well as spending three years in Germany with Wattenscheid 09, ETB Schwarz-Weiss Essen and VFR Solde.
After returning from Germany, he began coaching and has been involved in many top level teams.
As a coach, his teams have captured almost every major championship including multiple State Cup, Regional and Surf Cup titles. In addition as a high school coach, he captured an NCS title with Ursuline, before capturing three with Sonoma Academy, where he currently serves as Director of Athletics & girls soccer coach.
As a director of coaching and player development, he oversaw the growth and improvement of the SRU program, which earned State, Regional and National championships as well as working with the coaching staff to support players in the college recruiting process.
Chris is well respected by college coaches around the country and in his role as Director of College Guidance, he will work with the older players, families, coaches and teams to support the efforts of those interested in playing at the collegiate level.
“I’ve been involved with the college recruiting process for quite some time and have been doing seminars for players, parents, teams, and clubs throughout Northern California. In addition, over the years I have developed a network of college coaches around the US,” added Ziemer. “I am excited to head up the college recruiting program with SCA look forward to working with the players, families and coaches in the process.”
Ziemer estimates “close to 500 players” who have been involved in his seminars, camps, or teams have gone on to play at the collegiate level. “I feel fortunate to have been part of the process with a lot of talented players and teams, but with every player there are dedicated coaches who have made an impact on that players development and it is these coaches, the players and their families who supported them that deserve the credit,” said Ziemer.
Ziemer stresses the importance of excelling in the classroom as well as on the field. “I think it is great that student-athletes strive on the field, but it is also critical that they excel in the classroom as well,” said Ziemer.
Ziemer has already scheduled a series of seminars with the older players and families in March and April to get the process started.
