Marcus Ziemer, longtime Sonoma State men’s soccer head coach and a widely respected leader in the Bay Area soccer community, passed away in Germany at age 63.
Marcus Ziemer, the eldest of the well-known Ziemer brothers coaching family, died following an accident in Germany. He was 63. His passing was announced by his family and prompted an outpouring of support from across the Northern California soccer community.
Alongside his brothers Benjamin, Andrew, and Christopher, Ziemer helped shape a lasting soccer legacy throughout the Bay Area and North Bay. Their work through coaching, camps, youth development, and club programming made the Ziemer name deeply connected to the growth of the game in the region.
Ziemer served as the head coach of the Sonoma State University men’s soccer team for 35 years. During that time, he built one of the most successful programs in school history, earning multiple conference and regional coaching honors while leading the Seawolves to conference titles, NCAA Tournament appearances, and a 2002 NCAA Division II national championship.
Tributes following his passing described Ziemer as a beloved coach, mentor, and leader whose influence extended far beyond the field. Sonoma State, the San Jose Earthquakes, NorCal Premier Soccer, and fellow coaches all recognized the lasting impact he had on players, families, colleagues, and the broader soccer community.
He is survived by his wife, Trish, and children Thomas, Taylor, and Tera.
Adapted from: CBS News Bay Area article by Carlos E. Castañeda