Chris Kranjc is in his first season as UAH’s head men’s soccer coach. Kranjc comes to Huntsville after spending 17 years creating a terrific resume at NAIA power Hastings College in Nebraska.
Kranjc has compiled an impressive 297-67-21 record at Hastings, and his crowning achievement came in 2010 when he guided his team to the NAIA national championship, and he earned the NSCAA’s NAIA National Coach of the Year award that season for his efforts.
Kranjc took his team to the NAIA national tournament 11 times, reached the national semifinals on four occasions, and in addition to the national championship in 2010, his team was the national runner-up in 2011.
Named the Great Plains Athletic Conference Coach of the Year a stunning 15 times, Kranjc guided his program to 16 GPAC Conference Championships. His teams have featured 95 all-conference players including 17 GPAC Players of the Year, and his players have also been recognized on the national level as Kranjc has had seven first team All-Americans and 20 All-Americans overall including the 2011 National Player of the Year.
Kranjc earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education at Bellevue University, and he owns two master’s degrees – a teaching degree from Hastings and a sports management degree from California University of Pennsylvania.
Kranjc is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and he is married to his wife Sarah. The couple has three children – two daughters, Jenna and Keelie, and a son, Kade.