Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga.---- It is official – Life University and USA Eagles alumnus, Phil Thiel, is set to replace Neethling Gericke as lead forwards coach for the Men's Rugby program.
 
The departing Gericke joined Life University in the spring of 2016 as a graduate assistant coach and player for the Life Senior Men's Club team. As a coach, Gericke helped lead Life University to two consecutive undefeated seasons and a pair of D1A National Championships in 2018 and 2019. As a player for the Life University Senior Men's Club, Gericke won the 2017 DII Club National Championship, the 2019 DI Club National Championship and the 2019 Elite Cup. As a student, Gericke earned a Master of Positive Psychology, graduating with highest honors. With the formation of Rugby ATL, Gericke made the inaugural team and has been retained through 2022. More recently, Gericke was appointed to a coaching and leadership role within the Rugby ATL Pathway program.
 
"Everything I know about being a rugby coach, I learned at Life," said Gericke in reflection of his time at Life University. "I had the opportunity of coaching with the best coaches in the US and coaching some of the best collegiate players in the country. The coaches and players challenged me, kept me on my toes and pushed me to be the best coach I could be. I learned to be humble and always prepared. I realized every player needs to be coached in a specific way to get the best out of him. Once you find out what makes a player tick, you get respect and build a relationship. I was blessed with two National Championships back-to-back. I learned that rugby is not only a team sport, it is a program sport. Treat everyone the same and you build success. Thank you, Life University Rugby."
 
Head Coach Colton Cariaga had this to say: "We want to thank Neethling for his invaluable contribution to our program and Life University overall. He was not only hard working during his time here, but also a very good coach and leader. The time came, however, when it was best for him to focus on his roles outside of Life University and to make way for a new, robust group of coaches who will lead this next generation of student-athletes. We look forward to watching his career grow and wish him the best of success. He will always have a home at Life U."
 
Hailing from Traverse City, Michigan, the former high school football and wrestling standout, Phil Thiel, first arrived at Life University in 2007. He played a pivotal role in Life University Rugby's return to prominence with a Men's Club Division 1 national championship in 2008, the first title since 2000.  That year Thiel also earned Collegiate All-American honors. While growing his game at Life, Thiel first appeared for the USA Eagles in 2009 and would go on to win 36 international caps and appear in two world cups.  In 2014, Thiel had a brief stint with the Saracens, who went on to win the premiership the following season. At the conclusion of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Thiel announced his retirement from test rugby.
 
 "The addition of Phil to our coaching staff is massive for our program," said Cariaga. "As an alumnus, he understands and appreciates the Life U Rugby way. As a 36-test USA Eagle, he brings a wealth of technical knowledge and experience on the world's biggest stage. Beyond that, Phil has a truly infectious passion for the sport and coaching which we all will benefit from. Furthermore, he has more than paid his dues as a coach in the local community, spending several seasons with Atlanta Olde White RFC and also with the Atlanta Harlequins of the Women's Premier League."
 
Thiel joins assistant coach, Jaye Richardson, and graduate assistant, Daemon Torres, to complete the team of forwards coaches.
 
"I am incredibly excited to be joining the coaching staff at Life," Thiel said. "Having played the majority of my rugby in the program, I have really been in awe of the continuous growth that has occurred over the last several years. The staff is beyond dedicated and I will be doing everything I can to add value and be part of future success as we build on the legacy of all the individuals that have worked so hard to make Life the program what it is today."