Paul Menge, who retired last year as head coach of Blake’s girls’ soccer team, was inducted into the Minnesota State Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame during the Class A state banquet.

Menge, who also serves as Upper School assistant director, coached high school soccer for 41 years, 26 years as the Bears girls’ head coach. With a career record of 480-131-54, Menge places 8th in the state for all time most wins as a head coach. 

Athletic Director Nick Rathmann shared a few comments from the many letters of recommendation sent to the selection committee:

“Paul Menge is all class, all the time. He has dedicated himself to building relationships with people. Few do it better. My position allows me the opportunity to see the power of these relationships, whether it is with his own coaching staff, peer coaches, officials, the coaches association, parents, alumni, current or future players.”

“‘Coach’ is not something that Paul Menge does; ‘coach’ is what Paul Menge is. I couldn’t ask for a better colleague than Paul to help navigate the sometimes murky waters of school life. His moral compass, his expertise as a teacher and a leader, and his capacity to find and feed the good in every person ensure that we always chart the right course."

“Paul’s teams always show great character and sportsmanship, which is a true reflection on him and the culture he creates at The Blake School. In 14 years, we have had some very competitive games, I can’t remember a player having bad sportsmanship or feeling like Paul had lost control of his team. He always shows respect to the referees. Paul is a great role model to all coaches.”

“Paul Menge is a Minnesota soccer legend. His contributions are significant and far reaching. I’m so very thankful I’m one of thousands who can call him a mentor and friend. Paul Menge helped change the world in meaningful and positive ways, one person and one team at a time.”

“Coach Menge is just that coach you want in your life. You want to play for him, you want to coach with him, you even want to coach against him because in all of these venues you are able to enter into a relationship with someone who will be impactful in your life. And the impact will go far beyond the soccer field.”