Bio

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Josh Schaefer has been named assistant coach of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville cross country teams, announced today by head cross country coach James Akita. Schaefer will also assist the Pioneers track and field programs as a distant coach.

"We are excited to have Josh join our coaching staff this fall," said Akita. "He brings a lot of enthusiasm, energy, and passion with him which will greatly help in the recruiting process. I look forward to working with him as we push both teams for academic and athletic excellence."

Schaefer joins the staff after serving as a graduate assistant coach for the University of Dubuque cross country and track and field teams. In his two years with the Spartans, Schaefer specialized in recruitment while also coordinating team operations and camps. After graduating from Dubuque in 2022 with a Master of Management with an emphasis in sports management, Schaefer worked for Northern Tier High Adventure Base of the Boy Scouts of America in Ely, Minnesota as a wilderness canoe guide and winter wilderness guide and dog musher.

Schaefer competed at UW-Stevens Point for four years while working towards a pair of bachelor's degrees in psychology and communications with an emphasis in interpersonal and organizational communications. The Lombard, Illinois native spent the summers helping organize running camps at UW-Stevens Point as well as his high school of Glenbard East.