Ekeler took over as head women's soccer coach at Saint Xavier University in 2008 after spending the 2007 season as an assistant coach and five years as head coach at Saint Pius X High School in Lincoln, Neb.  His first campaign was a successful one with six All-CCAC selections and a CCAC Tournament Championship, four CCAC Player of the Week honorees and a NAIA National Player of the Week.  As an assistant, Ekeler was primarily responsible for the Cougar defense, which allowed just 19 goals over 24 games and posted 10 shutouts.  The SXU defenders earned four all-conference, four all-region, and four All-American honors during the 2007 campaign.  From 2003-2007, Saint Pius X compiled a 79-10 overall record, five district titles, two state championships, two state runner-up finishes, and two NSCAA National Top 20 ratings.  This team also set 14 team and 21 individual records.

Fifteen Saint Pius X players earned All-State recognition during Ekeler's tenure and 24 went on to play soccer at the collegiate level.  In addition, Ekeler has been twice nominated for the Nebraska Coaches Association Soccer Coach of the Year (2004 & 2005). He has the following licenses:  United States Soccer Federation National D License, National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Advanced Regional and Goalkeeping 1 license and a NSCAA Regional License.

Ekeler has a master's degree in education administration from SXU.  He lives in Western Springs with his wife, Susan.  The couple have two young daughters, Charlotte and Marion.