On Friday, the University of Michigan-Dearborn announced the hiring of Chris Stevanovic as the new head coach for the men’s soccer program.
Stevanovic assumes the role following the resignation of former head coach Worteh Sampson, who stepped down back in January.
“We are excited to have Chris become our next men’s soccer head coach,” said Bryan Earl, Director of Athletics & Recreation at UM-Dearborn. “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.”
Stevanovic has been involved on the soccer coaching circuit for roughly two decades, most notably with the Michigan Wolves/Hawks club program for 11 years beginning back in 2006.
Stevanovic has also been a fixture at both the high school and collegiate soccer coaching ranks as well. His longest-tenured stretch of coaching prep soccer was a 10-year run at Walled Lake Northern High School (2005-14). During that time, Northern won seven KLAA North Division championships, two KLAA overall championships, and two district championships.
A former Oakland County Coach of the Year honoree, Stevanovic in his time with the Knights was named an MHSAA District Coach of the Year three times. He also spent six seasons coaching high school girls’ soccer, three each at Walled Lake Western (2012-14) and at Brighton (2015-17).
Currently the Assistant Director of Coaching for the Hartland Chapter of the Liverpool International Academy, the new role at UM-Dearborn will be the second tour of duty within the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, having previously spent two seasons as a voluntary assistant at Cleary University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Stevanovic to the UM-Dearborn family,” said Cali Crawford, Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance & Internal Operations. “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.”