McHugh to Helm Emmaus Men’s Soccer Program

Emmaus Bible College is pleased to announce that Athletic Director, Chris McHugh, will be joining the Eagles coaching staff, as head coach of the men's soccer program.

McHugh who joined the Emmaus Athletic Department in May 2019, becomes the fifth head coach in program history, and will begin preparations for the Eagles' 2020 season immediately.

"We are thankful to be adding Coach McHugh to our roster of coaches," stated Israel Chavez, Vice President and Dean for Student Life. "Coach Brown and Coach Block developed a positive team culture, focused on holistic player development and keeping Christ at the center of their program. It was important that the next head soccer coach have the desire and ability to continue this legacy. Chris has demonstrated the qualities needed, a commitment to the student-athlete experience, and a commitment to the institutional mission, goals, and values, making him the perfect fit. We are confident that Coach McHugh is the right person to lead Emmaus Men's Soccer into the future."

"I would like to thank President Boom and Dean Chavez for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the men's soccer program at Emmaus," said McHugh. "My family and I have appreciated the warm welcome from the Emmaus Family this year, and we have enjoyed exploring all that Dubuque has to offer. I look forward to leading this program, and I am motivated to create an outstanding, biblically-integrated experience for our soccer players, and for all of our student-athletes."

McHugh brings a pedigree of success at the NCCAA DII level, and a sports ministry mindset to the Eagles soccer program. McHugh, who was head men's soccer coach at Moody Bible Institute and professor of sports ministry and lifetime fitness from 2012-2018, led the Moody Archers to back-to- back titles at the NCCAA DII National Championships in 2012 and 2013.

In all, McHugh's squads qualified for the national tournament in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. His teams won four NCCAA Reginal Championships, while taking 3 rd place and 2 nd place at the national tournament in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

"My vision for the Emmaus soccer program is that our young men will know Jesus Christ more intimately, and take a posture of humility, as we commit to pursuing common goals. Emmaus Bible College is a transformational environment, rooted in the Bible, where students learn to impact the world for Christ. In both our trials and successes, we will worship Jesus Christ as Lord; Lord of our lives and of this program," shared McHugh.

"Our soccer program will work to develop and attract top student-athletes, who are committed to maximizing their God-given abilities, while learning to compete with intensity and a Spirit-led focus. As we pursue this end, my prayer is that our skills would be sharpened, our love for others would be evident, and that God would be glorified," stated McHugh.

Over 17 years of coaching, McHugh has 11-years of head coaching experience at the men's collegiate and high school boys' varsity levels. Additionally, he has been an assistant coach on staff with two nationally prominent NCAA Division III programs at Montclair State University (NJ) and Christopher Newport University (VA).

His passion for discipleship and sports ministry have inspired his teams to conduct outreach soccer clinics for the community, and motivated his work with Christ-centered sports camps. He has served internationally with Sports Across Ireland outside of Dublin, and has welcomed team chaplains on his staff to care for the personal and spiritual needs of his players.

McHugh is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Sport Management, and of Montclair State University with a master's degree and teaching certification in Physical Education and Health. McHugh holds professional certificates through the United Soccer Coaches organization with an Advanced National Diploma and Goalkeeping I and II Diplomas. Additionally, he holds the USSF "D" coaching license.

McHugh is married to his wife, Sara, and they reside in Dubuque with their two young daughters, Emsley and Adelaide.

Please join us in officially welcoming Coach McHugh onto the Eagles coaching staff!

Coaching Highlights:

• NCCAA DII National Coach of the Year – 2012
• NCCAA DII Regional Coach of the Year – 2012, 2013, 2015

Team Highlights:

• 2012 NCCAA DII National Champions – National Ranking #1
• 2013 NCCAA DII National Champions – National Ranking #1
• 2014 NCCAA DII – National Ranking #3
• 2014 NSCAA Team Academic Award
• 2015 NCCAA DII National Finalist – National Ranking #2
• 2016 NCCAA DII – National Ranking #9

Player Highlights:

• NCCAA DII National Player of the Year – 2012 & 2014
• NCCAA Kyle Rote Jr. Award (Athletic Excellence and Christian Testimony) – 2012 & 2014
• 12 – NCCAA DII 1 st Team All-Americans
• 6 – NCCAA DII 2 nd Team All-Americans
• 13 – NCCAA DII Scholar Athletes