"Built By MKE" is a website feature started during the 2020-21 school year by the Milwaukee Athletic Department. The series, presented by Educators Credit Union, features former student-athletes and looks back on their time in Milwaukee. It includes updates on where they are now and what they have been doing since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

The individual features include a short bio of their time as a Panther as well as a question-and-answer session touching on numerous topics covering a wide variety of department alumni from all sports and time periods. 
 
The next entry is former Milwaukee men's soccer player Craig Mallace.
 
Mallace played for the Panthers from 2003 through 2006, helping the team post an overall record of 52-21-11, which included a sparkling 20-5-3 mark in league play. The Panthers won a pair of Horizon League regular-season titles and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament each of his first three seasons. He made 45 career starts in 75 career games, finishing with 38 points. Mallace recorded 10 goals and 18 assists, with a final career total of 93 shots.
 
Mallace capped his MKE career in 2006 by leading the team in points (12) and assists (six) as a senior, earing Second Team All-Horizon League honors for the second straight season. He won the team's Golden Boot award and was drafted by the MISL's Milwaukee Wave that March and signed a contract with the Minnesota Thunder a month later.
 
He became just the fourth-ever Panther to lead the team in assists in back-to-back seasons and scored the game-winning goal on a penalty kick in 1-0 victory over Michigan in mid-October.
 
He appeared in 22 games as a junior and finished second on squad with 18 points, setting career-highs in points, goals (4) and assists (10). His assist total tied for league lead and was seventh-best in UWM record book. Three of his four goals went for game winners over the course of the campaign.

He made 10 starts in 20 games as a sophomore, highlighted by scoring both Panther goals in a 2-1 overtime win over Penn in mid-September.
 
*What is your current role/position and how would you describe what you do?
"I am a staff coach at Edina Soccer Club in Minnesota. After leaving UWM, I played professionally, then moved onto director of coaching jobs for a club on the East Coast and then a club back in Minnesota. I have also worked for the Olympic Development Program. I still haven't jumped to the collegiate level, but who knows. Currently, I am working for a consultancy firm in Minnesota, working with businesses like Target, Costco, and Sam's Club. I also have my own podcast … I haven't worked on it in a while, but it is in the works to start up again."
 
*How did you first get interested in the career role you are currently in?
"Since I was old enough to talk, I knew that I would have a career in soccer, and eventually coaching. Coaching is not only working with the players and parents but working within budgets, managing my coaches, and working with the board members. It is a fun job to have."
 
*What has been the most enjoyable part of your current position?
"Seeing kids fall in love with the game that has given me so much, and also seeing them develop lifelong skills and friendships."
 
*What other jobs have you had since graduation that have been influential?
"All of them have given me so many valuable lessons and friendships."
 
*What did you study at UWM and when did you graduate?
"I studied history and communications in college. I began in 2003 and I left after four years, as I was drafted by the Milwaukee Wave. As soon as I was done playing professionally, I got a Director of Coaching for a club outside, so I didn't actually graduate. I got a call around 2010 asking me if I wanted to finish my remaining credits online. I graduated in two semesters and I still hold graduating from college higher than I do my playing professionally. Anyone who had to leave, for whatever reason, I will tell you, it's a great feeling to follow through and graduate."
 
*What was your favorite class?
"I loved my history classes, and not going to lie, a cooking class I took off campus. Free dinner!"
 
*What did you do as an undergrad at UWM that most prepared you for post-graduate job landscape?
"Balancing being a D1 athlete and a student. It is a lot harder than people think. It taught me about punctuality, learning constantly, and being able to lead and work in teams."
 
*What are your long-term career plans?
"I have too many to list, but I want to run my own motivational speaking business. I also want to be able to use my journey coming from Scotland to a student athlete, to a professional player, and sharing my experiences throughout that journey."
 
*What advice would you give to current UWM upperclassmen to prepare them for after graduation?
"Enjoy your time at UWM, maintain friendships forever, and you learn more by listening than talking. Whatever career path you decide, when in a meeting, listen to everyone in the room. A great leader is an even better listener."
 
*What do you miss most about UWM campus life?
"Engelmann Field, all my teammates, and all the experiences we shared together all over the country. I am getting married next year and three of my groomsmen were my teammates, while my coaches and other teammates will be coming to the wedding. It holds a very special place in my heart."
 
*What are your top one or two memories from your days as a UWM student-athlete?
"First off, road trips with the team, when you put so much hard work in and reap your rewards, and three NCAA tournament appearances.
 
Secondly, graduating a few years after I left is very important to me.
 
And lastly, the lifelong friendships I have with me teammates and former coaches. You cannot replicate them."