New College of Florida

Coach Debbie Pekel is in her second year as the Head Women's Soccer Coach for the Mighty Banyans. 
 
Coach Pekel started coaching at various levels after her collegiate playing career ended in 2016. She began coaching at the High School Girls' Varsity level while finishing her undergraduate degree before stepping into college and club. Coach Pekel has been involved with NCAA, NCCAA, and NAIA programs within the past years. She also coached at numerous youth clubs across Michigan, Kentucky, California, and Florida. She was the Associate Head Coach for the UWS League 1 Muskegon Risers for the 2021 and 2022 seasons before stepping into college athletics full-time in 2022. 
 
Coach Pekel holds a USSF B License, USC Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma, and USC Advanced National Diploma. Coach Pekel was one of fifteen female coaches chosen for the prestigious USC 30U30 group back in 2021-2022.
 
Coach Pekel has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Grace Christian University (2017) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pikeville (2020).
She currently resides in Sarasota with her two dogs, Livie and Skye.