The University of San Francisco, as one of the great traditional soccer powers in NCAA, has enjoyed a great legacy of coaches. Following the lead of Gus Donoghue, Bob Braghetta and Stephen Negoesco, is head coach Erik Visser.

Visser has built his legacy by leading the Dons to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, back-to-back West Coast Conference Championships in 2004 and 2005, and top-20 national rankings over the past three seasons. His fellow coaches recognized his leadership by electing him 2004 NSCAA Regional and 2004 and 2005 West Coast Conference "Coach of the Year."

Visser knows the great tradition of USF well. He was a top defender on two NCAA champion soccer teams at the Hilltop in 1978 and 1980. His marking of Indiana's Angelo DiBernardo was a key to the 1978 crown. After graduating from USF in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in government, he became part of Negoesco's coaching staff.

He has coached in a remarkable 626 games at USF and during his four-year playing career competed in 102 for a total of 727 games in Green and Gold. He ranks third in career victories with 63 behind NSCAA Hall-of-Famers Donoghue (1946-1960), who tallied 121 and mentor Negoesco (1962-2000) who compiled a then NCAA record 544. Visser recorded his 50th career victory at Portland on November 10, 2005 and owns an overall mark of 63-45-8.

His ability to win coincides with his eye for talent, recruiting the last two West Coast Conference Player of the Year award winners Rob Valentino and Aaron Chandler. The last Dons' player to win the conference's top award prior to the 2005 was All-American Staale Soebye in 1993 and 1994. Valentino also became the first Dons' player to be named WCC Defender of the Year in 2005. Three of Visser's players have been named NSCAA Far West All-Region, five were named WCC First Team and another 11 were named WCC Second Team.

Following his Dutch roots, Visser's coaching is based on a strong belief in an attacking, creative style of play. That mirrors the style of Negoesco's USF teams, who played a possession game based on accurate passing and free movement. Known as a player's coach, Visser's strength has always been his communication with his teams.

Visser also is a great fit for the University, with a strong belief in the education of the student-athlete. He served as USF's assistant athletic director for compliance and academic services for nine years at the Hilltop. He received a USF Merit Service Award for his duties to the University.

The 48-year old has strong ties to all levels of the soccer world. When USF started its women's soccer program in 1985, they named him the program's head coach. He guided the women through the 1990 season.

Erik was involved in the USA National Team program, having served as the top assistant for the Under-20 national team which finished 13th in the 2001 Youth World Cup in Argentina. Among the top young American stars he worked with were Landon Donovan, Bobby Convey, DaMarcus Beasley and Edson Buddle. He also served (1996-98) as the region IV Olympic Development under-15 head coach.

Visser is proud to continue the USF tradition and follow the legendary Stephen Negoesco, who recruited him. He is putting his own stamp on the Dons' program.

"Steve has made a huge positive impact on my life and career," said Visser upon taking over the head coaching spot after the 2000 season.

"I am very honored to continue the rich tradition of USF soccer. I believe that we have the support of the administration to ensure that USF soccer will continue its national prominence in the new millenium.

"San Francisco is a unique city and USF is a unique University. We have the opportunity to recruit both the best players from the western United States and also the world. This school is a special place. A great city, a small school with a great academic tradition and a nationally known soccer program."

Erik has earned two graduate degrees at USF. He received his master's degree in education in 1986 and completed his master's in sports and fitness management in 1993.

Prior to coming to USF, Visser played on the prestigious Ajax Amsterdam junior team and major division amateur soccer for AFC Amsterdam. Visser holds a US Soccer "A" license, a US Soccer Fitness license and a NSCAA Director of Coaching diploma.

Erik, his wife Martha, son, Brian, and daughter, Lauren, reside in American Canyon, in Napa County.