Sam Keener - Academy Goalkeeper Coach

Sam Keener joins the Columbus Crew Academy as an Academy Goalkeeper Coach in August 2024.

Keener joins the Crew from the University of Dayton, where he served as Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach from 2023-2024. During his time there, Keener assisted the Flyers in winning their first A-10 Conference title and NCAA Tournament appearance since 2015.

Keener also served as a Goalkeeper Coach at Cincinnati United Premier (CUP) from 2023-2024, working with goalkeepers at the MLS Next, National League, and E64 levels. Prior to that, Keener spent time in Charlotte, North Carolina at Belmont Abbey College (NCAA D2) before joining the University of Dayton and CUP.

Keener currently holds a UEFA C License. Keener also holds a BS Degree in Education.

As a player, Keener experienced playing across multiple NCAA Levels. Keener started his career at Butler University where he was a part of the team that won the Big East Regular season and had an NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2017. Keener then joined Lee University. While at Lee, Keener helped the program to its first Gulf South Conference Championship in 2019, and then in 2021, Keener helped the program get back to the Gulf South Conference title game. Along the way Keener conceded the fewest goals in program history and helped the program to the most wins in a season.