Green Bay Tabs Kelderman to Lead Men's Soccer Program

GREEN BAY, Wis.-- Wisconsin native Kris Kelderman has been named the head coach of the Green Bay men’s soccer program, Director of Athletics Ken Bothof announced on Tuesday. Kelderman becomes the eighth head coach in program history.

“We had a deep, talented applicant pool for this position, and Kris stood out above the rest due to his diverse resume, strong background and Wisconsin ties,” said Bothof. “With his success as a player and a coach at both the collegiate and professional levels, Kris will be strong leader for our men’s soccer program, and we are excited to welcome him back to Wisconsin and to the Phoenix family.”

Kelderman brings a wealth of coaching experience to the helm of the Phoenix program, including four seasons in the MLS and two stints on the staff at George Mason University. A two-time state champion and the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year in 1986 at Neenah High School, Kelderman was inducted into the Wisconsin State Soccer Association Hall of Fame in March 2010.

“I am thrilled to be able to represent Green Bay men’s soccer and its rich tradition,” Kelderman said. “I want to thank Director of Athletics Ken Bothof, Associate Director of Athletics Dan McIver and the rest of the search committee for offering me the opportunity to lead the men's soccer program.

“As a Wisconsin native I am extremely excited about returning "home" to do something I'm very passionate about. I will be in an environment surrounded by winners on the field and in the classroom, a great group of alumni who truly care about the program, and most importantly family and friends. There is nothing more a coach could ask for, and I will do everything in my power to carry on the winning ways of the program and more.”

After serving as the first assistant coach for both D.C. United (2010) and the Kansas City Wizards (2007-09) of the MLS, Kelderman returned to college coaching this spring when he was named an assistant coach at George Mason. He had previously worked at George Mason as the associate head coach from 2005-06, helping the Patriots to an NCAA Tournament appearance and a top-25 ranking.

Kelderman has also served as the technical director at Vienna Youth Soccer Club (2003-06) and Curt Onalfo Soccer, Inc. (2001-06), as the head coach and trainer with D.C. United Super Y-League U17 team (2004-06) and as the head coach of the Wisconsin Rebels (2000).

Kelderman’s playing resume includes four years with three franchises in the MLS, including back-to-back championships while playing for D.C. United in 1996-97. Other professional teams for which Kelderman played were: Miami Fusion (1998), New England Revolution (1999), Milwaukee Rampage (1993-95, 2000), Milwaukee Wave (2000-01), St. Louis Ambush (1996), Tampa Bay Terror (1995-96), Buffalo Blizzard (1993-95) and the Baltimore Blast (1991-92).

He played a total of nine seasons of professional soccer after graduating from the University of Virginia in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Kelderman was a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference performer and helped the Cavaliers win the national championship in 1989. He closed out his career in the top-10 in both career points and assists in Virginia’s record books.

In 1985, Kelderman was a member of the U17 United States National team that participated in the U17 Youth World Cup in China.