Park University's men's soccer program is in a great position with a coaching staff full of playing and coaching experience at the professional level. Park's newest member to join staff as an assistant coach is Robert Palmer.
 
Palmer, a 2011-12 Park University graduate, has garnered an impressive professional career playing for the Major Arena Soccer League's (MASL) Kansas City Comets.
 
He began his professional career in the middle of the 2012-13 season and helped the Comets win their first ever Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Championship in 2013-14 season. He followed that up with 13 goals and seven assists in 2014-15, when the Comets were a perfect 20-0 in the regular season.
 
Over his MASL career he played for four different teams, most recently with the Empire Strykers in Ontario, California during the 2022-23 season. In nine seasons, he has played 28 playoff matches. This summer, Palmer and his Newtown Pride FC teammates collected $1M for winning The Soccer Tournament in Cary, N.C.
 
Park Pirates play-by-play announcer Erik Bergrud, who also serves as color commentator of the Kansas City Comets, said, "Robert has earned respect from teammates and opponents alike across the MASL. He will make an immediate impact in his return to Julian Field, where he starred as a Pirate."
 
"Having recently lifted a championship trophy this summer in The Soccer Tournament, Robert knows what it takes to succeed in a highly competitive environment. That will serve the men's soccer program well this fall in regular season play in the Heart (of America Athletic Conference), the most challenging conference in the NAIA."
 
Palmer had a truly spectacular career at Park and achieved many accolades, including a 2008 MCAC Freshman of the Year award and had multiple AMC All-Conference seasons. His defensive play his freshman year was imperative for Park to go on to an NAIA Opening Round appearance in 2008.
 
Head Coach Efrem Shimlis could not be happier to have Robert join staff and his face lit up when talking about the talented group of coaches he has in his corner.
 
The Pirates will continue their season at Julian Field on Tuesday, September 4 at 7pm against Kansas Christian College.
 
Purchase 2023-24 Season Ticket Pass