Coach New graduated from North Olmsted High School in 1986 and continued a stellar career at Cleveland State University, where he earned All-Conference honors as a goalkeeper in 1988 and served as the Vikings' team captain in 1989. CSU recorded a 46-28-8 record during New's playing days, culminating in Mid-Continent Conference titles in 1986 and 1988. He still holds the CSU record for career shutouts (29) and ranks in the top ten for career saves (267). Following his college career, New was drafted by the Cleveland Crunch of the MISL and the Canton Invaders of the NPSL. He also spent two years as a player-coach for the Cleveland Caps of the USISL.

Coach New began his coaching tenure in 1996 as head coach of the Oberlin College women's soccer team, and then transitioned to the men's program in 1999. Oberlin has experienced a renaissance in men's soccer under New's leadership. In his first season as head coach, New guided the Yeomen to their first .500 record and highest conference finish in nine seasons. Most recently, Coach New has brought his team to the NCAC tournament twice finishing 2nd in 2005 and 3rd in 2006 and was named Conference Coach of the Year in 2005. With over 11 years of college coaching experience, Coach New is very familiar with the type of preparation, both academic and athletic, needed for student-athletes who wish to pursue a college soccer career. Though Coach New spends most of his time coaching at the collegiate level, his involvement in many clubs and camps has enabled him to successfully guide soccer players at all levels, from beginners to seasoned college athletes. Blake currently resides in Oberlin with his wife Jessa and their daughters, Madalyn and Maia.