ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis head men's soccer coach Mike McGinty announced today that Blake Schneider has been named an assistant coach. Schneider replaces Mark Santel, who resigned to accept a position in private business in St. Louis.

"Blake is an excellent up-and-coming young coach, and we are thrilled to elevate him on our staff," McGinty said. "He has played for us at SLU and understands what it means to be a part of our family. We also wish Mark the best, he was a great part of our staff and the players and coaches will miss working with him."

"I would like to thank (director of athletics) Chris May and Coach McGinty for this tremendous opportunity," Schneider said. "I am honored to be a part of this program and look forward to helping add to its wonderful tradition and success. I can't wait to get started and I look forward to what the future has in store for our players, staff and University."

Schneider spent last season as a student assistant coach. After playing three years at Evansville, he transferred to SLU and played his senior year with the Billikens in 2011. Schneider was a staple on the Billikens' back line starting that year, starting in every game. He appeared in 57 gamed during his three-year career at Evansville, accumulating 21 points (2G, 17A) during his tenure. His junior year, he was a second-team All-Missouri Valley Conference pick and was named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete squad. He earned his degree in Business Administration from SLU.

Schneider, a Wildwood, Mo., native, helped Whitfield High School to three Missouri Class 1 state titles (2004, 2006 and 2008). He was a three-time All-State selection and was tabbed the Missouri Class 1 Player of the Year in 2008.

Schneider joins lead assistant Jason O'Keefe, the 2012 NSCAA Middle Atlantic Regional Assistant Coach of the Year, and volunteer coach Franco Carotenuto on the coaching staff.