Peter Underwood, an assistant soccer coach for the Huskers, was killed in a May 16 car accident while on a recruiting trip near Atlantic, Iowa.
Underwood just completed his fourth season with the Nebraska women’s soccer program, serving the last two as a full-time coach and the previous two as a volunteer assistant. Underwood helped the Huskers to the Big Ten Conference regular-season and tournament titles in 2013.
“The University of Nebraska Athletics family is deeply saddened by the loss of Peter Underwood and our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his wife, Austin, their children, Lyla and Jude, and his extended family and friends,” said Shawn Eichorst, director of athletics. “Peter was an outstanding coach but an even better man of great character and he will be missed by all of us.”
Prior to coming to Nebraska, Underwood spent two years as an assistant coach at the University of Montana and three years as a graduate assistant coach for Marshall’s men’s and women’s soccer teams. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology from Concord University in 2006 and earned a master’s degree in athletic administration from Marshall in 2008.
“Our entire Nebraska soccer family is profoundly saddened by the sudden passing of our assistant coach Peter Underwood,” said John Walker, head coach of Huskers soccer. “Peter has been an integral part of our program for the past four years and it has been an honor to have him as a colleague and friend. Peter was vital to the success of our program and he will be missed both on and off the field. Our hearts go out to his wife and children and we ask the Husker family to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.”
A native of London, England, Underwood moved to the United States and played one season of varsity soccer at Concord, before the program was dropped. He immediately embarked on his coaching career, serving as a student assistant coach for the women’s program. Underwood earned a Union of European Football Association coaching ‘A’ license.
Underwood, 31, is survived by his wife, Austin, and their two young children, daughter, Lyla, and son, Jude.
A celebration of life for Underwood is 2 p.m. May 20 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The service is open to students, faculty, staff and the public. Free parking will be provided on the north side of the Devaney Center (lots 52 and 54 on the south side are reserved for family and team members). Individuals who attend should enter the Devaney Center via the north, ground level doors.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: Underwood Family, P.O. Box 880120, One Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0120, or by signing Underwood’s guestbook at http://www.roperandsons.com/index.php.
Memorials may be directed to U.S. Bank branch offices or can be mailed to Peter Underwood Memorial Fund, U.S. Bank, 1440 S. 70th St., Lincoln, NE, 68506.
