Junior Named Operations Director for WVU Soccer
A 21-year-old student has stepped into a key administrative role for the West Virginia University men's soccer team.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Soccer
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West Virginia University junior Ben Lohmann has been promoted to director of operations for the men's soccer program. The 21-year-old now manages team travel, meals, and compliance after previously serving as a student manager.
Why it matters
The program utilizes its limited fourth full-time staff position for a technical director, creating a unique operational opportunity for students. This structure allows the team to dedicate its primary coaching slots to on-field performance while relying on student leadership for logistics.
The West Virginia University men's soccer staff currently features four full-time coaching positions. Ben Lohmann, who is 21 years old, manages travel logistics and itineraries alongside his studies in the sport management program.
The players
Ben Lohmann
He is a 21-year-old junior at West Virginia University currently serving as the director of operations for the men's soccer team.
West Virginia University
This public research university located in Morgantown hosts the men's soccer program and the College of Applied Human Sciences.
The details
Lohmann handles team hotel blocks, bus charters, and meal coordination while balancing upper-level university coursework. Beyond his administrative duties, he occasionally participates in practice sessions by stepping into the net to face shots from the team roster.
Timeline
Ben Lohmann began his tenure as a student manager for the team in the summer of 2024.
This report was published on September 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This appointment highlights the integration of professional responsibilities within the West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences sport management program. The move reflects how the school leverages its curriculum to provide real-world experience that supports the team's operational needs.
Lohmann's management of team travel and meal itineraries ensures that the program's logistics remain consistent throughout the competitive season. His dual role as an administrator and a practice-session goalkeeper provides the coaching staff with extra depth during daily preparations.
The takeaway
The appointment demonstrates how collegiate athletic departments can optimize their professional staff counts by leveraging student talent in operational roles. Students pursuing careers in sports management can look to this path as a model for gaining hands-on administrative experience.
Further reading
Learn more about the program at the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dominion Post.
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