New coach looks to continue Prairie's culture of helping players grow on and off the field.

Joe Manley has been named the next girls’ varsity soccer coach at Prairie.

Manley, a Primary School teacher at TPS since 2018, has most recently served as Academy Director for the AFC Union club soccer program in Southeastern Wisconsin. Prior to that, he was the Academy Director for Rio Rapids SC in New Mexico. He holds a USSF D-License and has spent 15 years coaching and teaching the game to players ranging in age from 18 months to 18-years-old.

He now takes over one of the most successful high school girls’ programs in Wisconsin.

“It’s a thrill to be taking over for Coach [Corey] Oakland,” says Manley. “Corey is one of the top coaches in the state. I’m excited to help grow the Prairie community through soccer while supporting the girls in their development as both community members and athletes.”

A Racine native, Manley is graduate of Park High School. He attended Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Studio. While there, he was a four-year starter and two-year captain for the Cardinals under former Prairie coach Chris Dembiec.

“We’re very excited for Joe to get this opportunity,” says Jason Atanasoff, Athletic Director. “Since returning to the area he has established himself as a respected coach and teacher of the game and I have every confidence he will continue the success our girls’ program has enjoyed in recent decades under Coach Oakland.”

Manley takes over girls’ varsity duties from Corey Oakland who has served as boys’ and girls’ varsity head coach since 2006. Oakland will remain head coach for the boys’ team, while also supporting Manley as an assistant on the girls’ team. Manley’s staff is rounded out by his wife Christina Manley and Zach Nacev, Prairie teacher and Junior Varsity head coach.