MCC Athletics is excited to announce Craig Bender as the next head coach for the men's soccer program. 

Coach Bender began his coaching career in 2012 at the parks and recreation level and has worked up to running his own club Danger FC in Junction City, KS. The club has over 100 athletes and teams at all ages. He currently coaches a U17 and U18 team for Danger FC. Bender is a retired military service member and lives in Milford, KS with his wife, Karen and their three children.

"We are so excited to have Coach Bender on board to lead our men's soccer student-athletes," said Athletic Director Lauren Sanders. "He brings a wealth of soccer knowledge and experience and is looking forward to integrating his faith into soccer. He is excited and motivated to build our soccer program to the back to the national level!" 

Having coached all ages, Bender was looking to coach at the next level and continue investing in soccer athletes. He desires to create a family atmosphere on his teams and the appeal of being able to daily bring Christ in the culture of the team makes him a great fit for Manhattan Christian College. 

The 2024 men's soccer program finished with a record of 5-11-4 finishing third in the Midwest Christian College Conference and fifth in the NCCAA Central Region. Coach Bender will jump right into recruiting and preparing for the fall 2025 season. 

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