He joins Corey Oakland as recent Prairie coaches to lead both boys' and girls' soccer.

Two, as they say, is almost always better than one.

At least that’s the expectation when it comes to Joe Manley taking over the Prairie boys’ soccer program.

Manley, a Primary School teacher since 2018 who has served as the girls’ varsity coach since 2021, is now tasked with leading both the boys’ and girls’ teams for one of the most successful soccer programs in the state of Wisconsin.

“Since taking over the girls’ program two years ago Joe has proven himself as an excellent motivator and outstanding teacher of the game,” said Jason Atanasoff, Prairie Athletic Director. “Under his leadership our girls play hard and they play with class. I have every confidence his boys’ teams will play the same way.”

Manley takes over boys’ varsity duties from Michael Modesti who spent two seasons as head coach.

Since taking over the girls’ program in 2021, the Hawks have gone 35-14-5 under Manley’s guidance, including a 22-1-1 record in the Metro Classic Conference. His time at the helm for the Hawks has yielded two WIAA Regional Championships, a WIAA Sectional Championship, and a Runner-Up finish at the 2022 WIAA Division 4 State Tournament.

“I am humbled and excited for another opportunity to continue the tradition of soccer excellence here at Prairie,” says Manley. “Coaches like Corey Oakland established the Prairie Hawks as a state power. I am motivated to uphold that expectation while helping players achieve individual and team success in a way that showcases our institutional values.”

Click here to read more about the culture Corey Oakland, one of Manley’s coaching mentors, helped establish during his legendary tenure at Prairie.