Gunderson Tapped to Head CNU Women's Soccer

CNU women's soccer
coach Jamie Gunderson

Hot off the presses from Christopher Newport University, the Captains have found their new women's soccer coach. In fact, he was already there, as athletic director Kyle McMullin took the interim tag off Jamie Gunderson, and made him the full-time coach.

According to their press release, Gunderson, has been with the Captains since the fall of 2012, and previously served as an assistant coach under Dan Weiler for seven seasons before stepping into the interim position earlier this year.

"I am extremely pleased that during a time of great uncertainty, we are able to move forward with someone who will bring steady leadership and exceptional ability as our Head Women's Soccer Coach," said McMullin. "Jamie's presence has been key to the success of our women's soccer team for the past seven years and his ability to lead our students has become evident over the past month. Jamie will excel as our Head Coach."

Prior to taking the reins as the top assistant coach in 2014, Gunderson also served under head coach Ruth Keegan as a volunteer assistant coach in 2012 and started his tenure with then head coach Dan Weiler in 2013. Gunderson was elevated to the full-time position in the Spring of 2014 after helping guide CNU to 12- and 14-win seasons in his first two years on the sideline. He has helped lead the Captains to six straight regular-season conference titles and five NCAA Tournament berths in his tenure under Weiler. In a three-year stretch between 2016-18, the Captains set and re-set the program record for wins in a season while capturing the program's first three Capital Athletic Conference Tournament Championships.

In 2018, Gunderson was a part of the coaching staff that led Christopher Newport to the NCAA Division III National Semifinals and wrapped up the season with a 21-2-0 overall record. For his efforts, he was honored as part of the United Soccer Coaches Atlantic South Region Coaching Staff of the Year.

In addition to his time with the Captains, Gunderson has spent four years coaching with the Virginia Legacy Soccer Club. He also excelled as an athlete both collegiately and in the professional ranks.

A four-year starter for Methodist, Gunderson starred on the field and also represented the Monarchs on the USA South All-Sportsmanship team. Following his collegiate career, he competed professionally as a member of the Norfolk Sharx in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He also played with the Lionsbridge FC team in the PDL in each of the past two summers. the Captains set and re-set the program record for wins in a season while capturing the program's first three Capital Athletic Conference Tournament Championships.

In a statement, Gunderson wrote, "I could not be more honored and grateful for this opportunity. I would like to thank President Paul Trible, Vice President Bill Brauer, Director of Athletics Kyle McMullin, along with Carrie Gardner, Matt Kelchner, and the entire search committee. Also, I would like to send a special thank you to Dan Weiler for helping me start my journey at CNU. Dan's passion and drive to run a successful program has helped develop me into the coach I am today. I am looking forward to continuing the growth and traditions of the CNU Women's soccer program."