PULLMAN – Graeme (pronounced Gram) Abel has been named as assistant soccer coach at Washington State University, Cougar Head Coach Matt Potter announced, Wednesday.

Abel comes to the Palouse after spending the past two seasons at Oklahoma where he was the goalkeeper coach. During his tenure with the Sooners, Oklahoma posted seven shutouts.

Prior to Oklahoma, Abel was the goalkeeper coach at Nevada (2005-07). The Wolf Pack won 30 matches during those three seasons, and won the Western Athletic Conference Championship to earn the school’s only NCAA Championship berth (2006). Nevada posted 23 shutouts under the tutelage of Abel after having just three in program history prior to his arrival.

Abel’s coaching career began his alma mater, Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky. He spent the 2004 season there working with goalkeepers.

A native of Liverpool, England, Abel also has experience with the Olympic Development Program in both Nevada and Kentucky.

“To have a coach of Graeme’s caliber and proven track speaks to the ambition of the program we are trying to build here at Washington State,” Potter said. “I am grateful to the administration for their efforts and support in allowing me to compliment both (WSU Assistant Coach) Jason (Goodson) and me with a personality such as Graeme’s.

“Graeme is an outstanding coach with an expertise in goalkeeping. “He has the background, pedigree and track record to show he can develop student-athletes on and off the field. He has performed on the highest of stages and coached at the national team level. I believe his ambition echo’s that of both Jason and me as we look to further establish ourselves in the women’s collegiate game. It truly is an exciting time for our current student-athletes and a great opportunity and environment for future prospects and their families.”