DEARBORN, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn Director of Athletics & Recreation Bryan Earl announced on Friday (Mar. 21) the hiring of Chris Stevanovic to lead the University of Michigan-Dearborn men's soccer team. Stevanovic takes over for long-time head coach Worteh Sampson, who stepped away from the program in January.
Stevanovic has built a strong history of winning at the high school and club level throughout his illustrious coaching career. Stevanovic spent 10 years at Walled Lake Northern High School as the boy's varsity coach, where he would lead the Knights to seven straight KLAA North titles. Stevanovic's accolades would not stop there; during his tenure, the Knights won two KLAA Conference Championships and two MHSAA District Championships, and the Knights were ranked in the top 10 in the state for seven straight seasons. Stevanovic was named MHSAA District Coach of the Year three times and earned Oakland County Coach of the Year.
Stevanovic then moved to the club level, where he spent 11 years with the Michigan Wolves/Hawks. There, he won three state titles and was a state finalist three times. Stevanovic's teams became a mainstay in the nation's top 100 clubs, and under his tutelage, numerous athletes received college scholarships.
Stevanovic is familiar with the WHAC and served as a volunteer assistant at Cleary University for two years. He now serves as the Assistant Director of Coaching for the Hartland Chapter of the Liverpool International Academy.
What They're Saying About Chris
"We are excited to have Chris become our next men's soccer head coach. His focus on character and developing the entire student-athlete fits perfectly with our values and mission. Chris is a proven leader with a passion for the game of soccer. Our men's soccer program will continue to grow under his leadership and mentorship." - Bryan Earl, Director of Athletics & Recreation
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Stevanovic to the UM-Dearborn family. With his wealth of experience, Coach Stevanovic has proven his outstanding ability to build relationships and recruit student-athletes at a high level. We are confident that he will continue to grow our men's soccer program and enrich our athletic culture." - Cali Crawford, Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance & Internal Operations, Senior Woman Administrator
