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Men's Soccer Coaches

Meet our Men's Soccer Coaches
Head Coach
Aydin Gonulsen

Gonulsen can be reached (800) 233-3550, ext. 4355 or by Email		 Aydin Gonulsen

One of the elite collegiate coaches in the nation, Aydin Gonulsen is in entering his second season as the head men and women’s soccer coach at Blackburn College.

Gonulsen’s name is synonymous with winning soccer. From 1977-2001, he was the head men’s soccer coach at the University of Illinois – Springfield, where he built the Prairie Stars into a national powerhouse. Under his direction, UIS captured NAIA three national titles and were consistently known as one of the top collegiate soccer programs in the country.

Gonulsen is a two-time NAIA National Coach of the Year, named NAIA District Coach of the Year four times and is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame. In addition, Gonulsen served as head coach in two World Collegiate Championships.

He came to the United States from Izmir, Turkey in 1963 and played for two years at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, which, like Blackburn, is a Work College. He earned NJCAA All-American honors in both of his years at Warren Wilson.
   
 
Assistant Coach
Denny Umberger

Umberger can be reached (800) 233-3550, ext. 4355 or by Email		 Denny Umberger

Umberger has spent the past seven seasons as the head soccer coach at Lincolnwood High School. During his tenure, the Lancers notched six straight winning seasons including this year’s 20-8 campaign in which his team set school records for wins and shutouts (15).

In 154 games, Umberger’s record stands at 101-42-13.

“Denny adds another layer of professionalism and experience to a Blackburn soccer program rich in tradition,” said Blackburn College Provost Dr. Jeffery Aper. “Having Aydin and Denny together will enhance the educational experience for Blackburn student-athletes participating in soccer.”