Peter Mehlert (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2023

Peter Mehlert was an outstanding player for Walter Johnson HS in Bethesda. In 1965 and 1966 he was First-Team Selection, Washington Post and Washington Star All-Met DC HS Soccer Team. Player for Boston University, 1968-1970 named to the Greater Boston Collegiate Soccer Conference All Star Team; In 1968 named All-New England (College Division) and in 1970 named All-New England (University Division; and in 1970 named Boston University, Most Valuable Player.

Peter was the Head Men’s soccer coach at American University from 1972-1991, with an overall record of 201-122-38. During that time, AU appeared in NCAA Division I Tournament four times, 1978, 1979 (quarterfinals), 1984 (round of 16), 1985 (NCAA Final); over the years, team had an average of 3-1/2 scholarships out of 11 allowed; During these years, the soccer team also had the greatest number of academic All-Americans, more than all other sports at AU.

He petitioned for and coached the first-ever Women’s team at American University (1990). Had a .785 winning percentage, and still holds many of the teams’ records to this date, including the longest unbeaten streak (12) and the longest winning streak (9).

From 1974-1976 he was an Assistant Coach/Chief Scout/Trainer, for the Washington Diplomats and from 1976-1980 a Chief Scout (US Collegiate Players) for the New England and Jacksonville Teamen. 1993-1995, VYSA ODP Director of Coaching, Northern District; 1988, Director, USYS Region I ODP Summer Camp; 1988, 1983-1986, Assistant Head Coach, Region I Boys ODP; 1988, Staff, Coach/Selector, National Camp for U-18 US Men’s National Team, US Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado; 1987, Head Coach (Interim) Region I Boys ODP and Team Administrator, Region I U-16 Boys ODP Team in the Under 16 National Tournament for selection to the Under 16 US National Team, US Olympic Training Center.

Peter earned many honors and awards throughout his extensive and dedicated coaching career. In 1998 he was inducted into the American University Hall of Fame. In 1985 named National Coach of the Year, NSCAA (NCAA Division 1); 1985, 1984, 1979, Three-Time Coach of the Year, Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year, Intercollegiate Soccer Association of America (NCAA Division 1); 1986, 1985, 1983 and 1979, Four-Time Coach of the Year, Capital Collegiate Conference (Greater Washington DC Area Universities; 1985, CAA Coach of the Year; 1984, Coach of the Year, ECAC-South Soccer Conference; and 1979, Coach of the Year, East Coast Conference.