Lapeer Community Schools is excited to announce that Duncan Rowley has been named the new head coach for the Lapeer High School varsity boys soccer team.
A familiar face, Rowley is a longtime member of the Lapeer soccer coaching staff and has served as the JV boys coach for the past four seasons, as well as during the 2014 season.
Additionally, Rowley has coached the JV girls soccer team for three years as well as with numerous youth teams.
“Duncan was the obvious choice to take over our boys soccer program,” said LCS athletic director Shad Spilski. “His passion, knowledge and connection to our student-athletes is immeasurable. He knows the game, can teach the game of soccer, and will hold his players accountable, both in the classroom and on the field. I’m excited for the future of Lapeer boys soccer.”
Rowley noted that his coaching style is one that is "centered on the development of the scholar-athlete."
"I view the soccer program as a direct extension of the classroom," said Rowley, also a Biology and Engineering teacher at LHS. "The discipline and accountability required on the pitch are the same values we expect in the classroom. While winning is our objective every match day, I place a heavy emphasis on personal growth and integrity. Since I have already coached many of these athletes at the JV level and see them daily at LHS, I expect the boys to adapt very quickly to this transition."
Going into the fall 2026 season, Rowley has his eye on the present as well as on the future.
"My goal is to ensure a seamless transition and maintain our momentum by continuing to build a competitive program and pursue league and district titles through high standards of discipline and training," said Rowley. "I want to develop 'total' athletes by improving their technical skills and tactical awareness while molding them into high-character young men. I also aim to bridge the gap between our youth/grassroots levels and the high school program to ensure a sustainable future for Lapeer soccer."
Rowley noted that he's enjoyed seeing the game grow in the Lapeer area and wants that trend to continue, especially at the younger age groups.
"In addition to seeing athletes grow from freshmen into upperclassmen, I have seen a significant increase in the skill level of Lapeer area athletes, largely due to the growth of the local Nationals Soccer Club and Lapeer Rec League," he said. "The exposure to knowledgeable soccer coaches at a younger age has created a much stronger talent pipeline. To keep Lapeer at the forefront, we must continue to connect our high school program with these local youth levels to build a consistent, high-level culture from the ground up."
Growing up in Attica and now residing in the local area with his wife Kelli, son William and daughter Maeve, Rowley is Lapeer through and through.
"As a Lapeer East alumni (Class of 2012), the son of former Lapeer East and Lapeer Lightning coach Bud Rowley and with children who attend Lapeer Schools, I am deeply invested in this community," said Rowley. "I look forward to leveraging my role as a teacher in the building to ensure our athletes are performing as well in their studies as they are on the field."
The Lapeer boys soccer schedules will be released later this summer.