Cincinnati Soccer: Kyle Venter hired to take over defensive and goalkeeping duties

Kyle Venter was added to the Cincinnati women’s soccer coaching staff a week ago and will oversee the goalkeepers going forward. After spending last season split between Florida and Arizona, Venter accepted an assistant coaching position with the Bearcats alongside head coach Neil Stafford and associate head coach Tom Anagnost.

Cincinnati Soccer: Kyle Venter hired to take over defensive and goalkeeping duties

During his playing career at New Mexico, he took home 2013 Conference USA Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior. Venter was later drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy with the 23rd overall pick in the 2014 MLS Draft. He also played for several other professional clubs before moving to the sideline.

“Adding someone of Kyle’s pedigree to our program while we go through our transition into the Big 12 is a no brainer,” Stafford said in a press release per Cincinnati Athletics. “His work rate, recruiting prowess, understanding of the game and ability to foster healthy relationships with our student athletes make him an outstanding addition.”

Venter helped Arizona reach the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament with 10 shutouts before getting hired by Florida in 2021. The Colorado native only worked in Gainesville for one season but made a major impact as Alexa Goldberg led the SEC with 4.8 saves per game. Anna Rexford is expected to start as the Bearcats goalkeeper.

“I want to thank Neil Stafford for the opportunity and I am excited to be joining the women’s soccer program here at UC,” Venter explained via Cincinnati Athletics. “I believe in the people and support here. I’m looking forward to doing what I can to help these student athletes succeed. I can’t wait to get to work.”