MCC News
Tue, May 5, 2009 - [Men's Soccer]
Chad Hammond
Chad Hammond
Spring Arbor University director of athletics Sam Riggleman recently announced that Jackson, Michigan native Chad Hammond will be taking over as the University's head men's soccer coach effective immediately.

Spring Arbor University director of athletics Sam Riggleman recently announced that Jackson, Michigan native Chad Hammond will be taking over as the University's head men's soccer coach effective immediately.

Hammond has a long involvement with soccer in the Jackson area and served as the head boys soccer coach at Jackson Northwest High School from 2000-06 where he developed several players who went on to compete at the college level. Hammond continued on as an assistant for the Mounties through 2008 after stepping away from the head spot in 2006 for family reasons.

An alumnus of Spring Arbor University, Hammond was a very successful college player under former head coach Anil Joseph. He was a three time all conference selection as a midfielder for the Cougars and capped off his career with NCCAA All America honors in his senior campaign. Hammond played his high school soccer at Jackson Northwest High School and was also a member of the TKO soccer club in Kalamazoo.

"I am really looking forward to building relationships with the players," commented Hammond. "I am excited to work with such a talented group that Anil (Joseph) has put together. As we move forward together I will be looking to add players to our team that can bring an outstanding work rate and integrity to an already successful program. I expect us to be competitive for the MCC title each year."

Hammond brings great energy and enthusiasm to a crucial position within Spring Arbor athletics according to Riggleman. "Our soccer programs are a key component to the overall scheme of our athletic department," commented Riggleman. "Chad fits the mission of our department very well and will bring energy to a program that Anil Joseph has headed in a very positive direction."

Joseph steps away from a program that went 10-7-2 and finished in fifth place in the MCC standings last season. He was at the helm of the men's soccer program for thirteen years. He will remain at Spring Arbor University in his current role as a professor in the Health Human Performance and Recreation department while he pursues doctorate work.

"Coach Joseph did a fine job leading our men's soccer program and we are grateful for the expertise and leadership he has displayed for the program. We wish him the very best as he pursues a different avenue within the University," commented Riggleman.

Hammond will meet with the returning players this week and will assume duties for his new position immediately. He and his wife Cristi and their four children Carli (5) and Kadyn, Kennedi and Ryli (16 months) reside in Jackson.