Patrick Ritter has been named the head coach of the Upper Iowa's women's soccer program after his previous tenure at Bluefield University during the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons. This past campaign, he guided the Rams to a 4-11-12 (2-9-2) record—its most wins since 2017. The four victories under his tutelage in the 2024 campaign surpassed the total number of wins the program achieved between 2018 and 2023.
"We are excited to welcome Coach Patrick Ritter as our new Head Women's Soccer Coach," said Vice President for Athletics
Rick Hartzell. "Patrick brings valuable coaching experience and has a strong background in recruiting in the Midwest. He understands the type of student-athletes we need for success both in the classroom and on the field here at Upper Iowa. We feel strongly that with Patrick leading the team, we'll be positioned to compete for a spot in the GLVC tournament and achieve the success the ladies on the team deserve."
Patrick Ritter was the assistant coach at NCAA Division II Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri prior to his time at Bluefield. At MSSU, Ritter coached 11 All-Conference performers, and during his tenure, members of the team garnered 36 conference academic awards.
Ritter holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Dakota Wesleyan University and an M.A. in Sports Administration from the University of Saint Mary. He holds certifications from the United Soccer Coaches, the United States Soccer Federation, the U.S. Men's National Team Symposium, and the American Red Cross.
