Debbie Pekel
Head Coach - Spartanburg Methodist College Women's Soccer
Debbie Pekel brings a wealth of coaching experience and a deep passion for player development to Spartanburg Methodist College as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach. With a background spanning high school, youth academies, collegiate, and national pro-amateur levels since 2015, she has built a reputation for developing well-rounded athletes and fostering a competitive, growth-focused environment. Pekel’s extensive experience in coaching young players and guiding them to higher levels of the game makes her a dynamic leader for the Pioneers.
Before joining SMC, Pekel served as the head coach at the New College of Florida in Sarasota and as an assistant coach at Bob Jones University in Greenville. A standout player at Grace Christian University, she led the program to its first regional championship and a national runner-up finish while earning multiple All-American and All-Region honors. She remains third in career goals and holds the record for most assists in program history.
Pekel holds a USSF B License, an NSCAA Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma, and an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Grace Christian University and an MBA from the University of Pikeville. Her experience, leadership, and dedication to player success will help shape the future of the SMC women’s soccer program.