Joe Luxbacher has more than 30 years of experience in the field of competitive athletics. A former professional soccer player for the North American Soccer League, American Soccer League, and Major Indoor Soccer League, he is currently at the helm of the University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer team, a position he has held since 1984.

The twice-selected Big East Conference Soccer Coach of the Year holds a PhD in health, physical, and recreation education from the University of Pittsburgh and has earned the Level A coaching license from the United States Soccer Federation.

Luxbacher has authored more than a dozen books and numerous articles on the sport of soccer. His soccer articles have appeared in national publications such as Scholastic Coach and Athletic Director and Soccer Journal.

Inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and designated a Letterman of Distinction by the University of Pittsburgh in 2003, Luxbacher is the founder and director of Shoot to Score Soccer Academy, an organization that offers educational camps, clinics, and tournaments to players aged 7 to 18. The camp Web site is www.shoot2score.net.

Luxbacher resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Gail, and children, Eliza and Travis.