Chris Bergmann

Coach Chris is a strategist, mentor, and leader with a passion for shaping organizations and the people within them. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Westmont College (CA) and his M.A. in Educational Formation & Ministry from Wheaton College (IL).

With more than 25 years in athletics, education, and leadership development, Chris has served as Head Coach for both men’s and women’s collegiate soccer programs at a variety of institutions. His experience includes leading NCAA Division I women’s teams at Virginia Military Institute and Stetson University, guiding the NCAA Division III men’s program at Lake Forest College, at Trinity International University (NAIA) as well as the men’s program at Hope International University (NAIA). He was also a part of the BIG10 as an assistant coach for the  women’s soccer program at Northwestern University.

His coaching achievements include national rankings, conference championships, academic honors, and mentoring athletes who have competed professionally and internationally.

Chris has also served as Executive Director of multiple competitive youth sports organizations and invested in clubs nationwide, including San Diego Surf, Chicago Fire, Chicago Magic, Lincolnshire Lightning, Orlando City Soccer Club, Florida Kraze Krush, and Central Florida United.  Chris was also the General Manager of the Chicago Eagles Select, of the Premier Development League (USL 2).

In addition to his athletic leadership, Chris has been Director of Campus Life and Soccer at Axis Sports Academy (AZ) and DME Academy (FL), a high school and middle school science and math teacher, and co-founder of AIM Academic Mentoring in Illinois—a program dedicated to personal mentorship and college placement and test preparation.

Whether guiding an NCAA program, mentoring student-athletes, or advising organizational leaders, Chris’s consistent aim is to help people maximize their potential while staying rooted in purpose and character.