Chris Bergmann Named Head Coach of Forester Men’s Soccer Team
13-year coaching career includes four seasons as collegiate head coach

Chris Bergmann

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Lake Forest College Athletic Director Jackie Slaats announced Friday (July 10) that Chris Bergmann has accepted the position of Head Men’s Soccer Coach at the College. Bergmann replaces Derek Niepomnik, who resigned on May 29.

The 2009 season will be Bergmann's 14th year in coaching and his fifth as a collegiate head coach. He spent the 2008 season as a volunteer assistant coach for the Northwestern University women's soccer team. He was the head coach of the men's team at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, the previous two seasons and was named Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2007. Bergmann also served as the head men's soccer coach and assistant athletic director at Hope International University in Fullerton, California, for two year and was the 2005 National Christian College Athletic Association West Region Coach of the Year.

In addition to his experience at the college level, Bergmann has also coached various club teams, including the Lincolnshire Lightning and Pegasus Soccer Clubs in Deerfield, the Chicago Eagles in Wheaton, and SURF Soccer Club in California. He has worked with players in every age group ranging from U-10 to U-23 and participated in the Olympic Development Program in California from 1999-2000.

Bergmann has also been successful in helping young people achieve their goals in the classroom. He and his wife Kelly currently own and operate AIM Academic Mentoring Services in Gurnee, Illinois. The organization focuses on the mental, emotional, and personal wellness of primarily middle and high school students through academic support in all subjects. He founded and operated a similar business in San Diego, California, from 1996-2000.

Bergmann graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and added a master's degree from Wheaton College in Illinois. Due to an injury, he did not play soccer in college but played several seasons internationally for teams in Holland, France, Sweden, Germany, and Brazil.

"We're very excited to welcome Coach Bergmann to the College," commented Slaats. "He has a wealth of experience coaching at various levels and I am confident that he will keep the Forester men's soccer program headed in the right direction. In addition, his focus on both athletics and academics makes him a perfect fit for Lake Forest College."

“I appreciate this opportunity to be the head coach at Lake Forest College,” began Bergmann. "I'm looking forward to joining a great athletic department and adding to the soccer program's rich history. I know the players are determined to accomplish great things and I am anxious to be a part of that."