The cheers usually reserved for the soccer pitch echoed through the Seawolves Den as hundreds of alumni, family members and colleagues shared stories of a coach whose influence stretched far beyond the field. The memorial for Marcus Ziemer, longtime SSU men’s soccer coach, served as a testament to a 35-season career that turned a college program into a lifelong family.
The Sonoma State community is mourning the loss of Ziemer, who died March 16 after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a scooter accident while traveling in Germany. He was 62.
Ziemer spent 36 years coaching at Sonoma State, including 35 seasons as head coach, building one of the most successful programs in school history and leaving a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes.
During his time in Sonoma State, Ziemer led the Seawolves to the NCAA Division II national championship in 2002, along with eight California Collegiate Athletic Association conference titles and 15 conference tournament appearances. He was named conference Coach of the Year six times and earned national Coach of the Year honors after the 2002 championship season.
But for many former players, his legacy was defined less by wins and more by the relationships he built. Jose Rios, a senior who played soccer at Sonoma State before the university discontinued athletics programs in 2025, said the news of Ziemer’s passing was difficult to process.
“When I got the news it didn’t feel real,” Rios said. “Coach was always smiling, always positive, and just a genuinely good person. I have lots of great memories with him and the team over my years playing under him.”
Rios described Ziemer as a mentor, who supported him through personal challenges and believed in him when others might not have.
“He was like a dad to me,” Rios said.
“I can open up to him about anything in life, not just soccer. He took a chance on me as a walk-on when I was struggling and always believed in me,” Said Rios. “I honestly do not know if I would have finished college without him.”
Donald Lincoln, known as “McLovin,” told the Sonoma State Star that Ziemer’s impact was deeply personal.
“Marcus Ziemer means family to me,” Lincoln said. “I saw him two days before his death, and he was joyful and making sure I was doing alright.”
For Rios and many others, Ziemer’s death was especially emotional following the university’s decision to eliminate athletics programs last year. After learning the university planned to cut athletics, Ziemer had become a leading voice in efforts to preserve the programs, helping to launch the “Save Seawolves Athletics” campaign and rallying support from alumni, students, and the local community.
“It makes me sad and mad knowing this maybe could have gone different if sports were not cut at Sonoma State,” Rios said. “But I’m proud and thankful I got to be part of his last team there after everything he gave to the program. That will always mean a lot to me.”
Ziemer is survived by his wife, children, siblings and colleagues, as well as the many players he coached throughout his career.
In an interview with The Press Democrat, his wife, Trisha Ziemer, reflected on his legacy.
“To me, he’s irreplaceable,” she said. “There will never be anyone like him in my life again. The only thing that keeps me going is that someday I hope to be with him again, hold his hand, and maybe we’ll take Freddy for a walk.”
Ziemer leaves behind more than a record of wins and losses. He leaves a lasting example of leadership, compassion and commitment to his community.
Whether he was pacing the sidelines or advocating for the future of athletics, Ziemer demonstrated that a coach’s role extends far beyond the game, and building a sense of belonging for those around him.
Sonoma State may have lost one of its strongest advocates, but the spirit of “Save Seawolves Athletics” continues through the athletes and community he inspired.
As the Sonoma State community continues to grieve, many former players say Ziemer’s legacy will live on through the people he mentored, coached and inspired throughout his career.
