EDUCATION
· Bethel University – Master of Ministry (2001)
· Bethel University – Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Arts (1993)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
· Bethel University, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics (2019-present)
· Bethel University, Director of Golf (2019-present)
· Bethel University, Women’s Golf Head Coach (2011-19, 21-present)
· Bethel University, Assistant Athletic Director (2004-19)
· Bethel University, Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach (2005-14)
· Bethel University, Men’s Golf Head Coach (1996-13)
· Bethel University, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach (1994-00)
· Bethel University, Men’s Golf Assistant Coach (1994-96)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
· NCCAA, National Women’s Golf Chair (2012-present)
· Women’s Golf Coaches’ Association (WGCA) (2010-present)
· NCCAA, North Central Region Chair (2001-present)
· NCCAA, North Central Region Coordinator (2025-present)
· United States Golf Association (USGA) (1992-present)
· Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) (1998-2016)
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
· 3 NAIA National Championships (Men’s Basketball)
· 1 NCCAA National Championship (Men's Basketball)
· 3 NCCAA National Championships (Women’s Basketball)
· 4 NCCAA National Championships (Women's Golf)
· Combined record of 400-101 as an assistant coach with Men’s/Women’s Basketball
· 13 Crossroads League Championships (Men’s/Women’s Golf, Men’s/Women’s Basketball)
· 4 Crossroads League Coach of the Year Awards (Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf)
· 10 NCCAA North Central Region Coach of the Year Awards (Women’s Golf)
· 4 NCCAA National Coach of the Year Awards (Women's Golf)
· 64 National Championship Tournament Appearances as a Coach (25 NAIA, 39 NCCAA)
· Men’s Golf coaching record of 1422 wins and 458 losses (75.6%), with 37 tournament titles
· Women's Golf coaching record of 917 wins and 245 losses (78.4%), with 80 tournament titles
· Overall Golf coaching record 2339-703 (76.9 %), with 117 tournament titles
· Coached 16 NAIA All-Americans, 41 NCCAA All-Americans, 108 NAIA Scholar Athletes, and 86 NCCAA Scholar Athletes (Men’s/Women’s Golf)
· Dr. Albert J. Beutler Bethel Athletic Hall of Fame (2020)
· NCCAA Hall of Fame (2022)
COACHING PHILOSOPHY/WHY DO YOU COACH?
“At this point in my coaching career; I coach for the relationships that I have with my players. I want to provide them every opportunity to grow spiritually, academically, socially and physically – while striving for excellence in all things, on and off the golf course. Don’t get me wrong, I am as competitive as ever and want to see my players have success at the highest levels, but I am more focused on the eternal victories for each of them that come in their faith journey and relationship with God. Ultimately, I want a team culture and college experience that helps equip and transform the hearts and minds of my players so that they can love Jesus, love others and be salt and light on our campus, in our community and wherever God leads them as they impact lives for Him. The best part is, being a winning golf team and having a focus on Christ are not mutually exclusive… they can both happen at the same time – and that’s why I do what I do.” – Christopher Hess
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Chris and his wife Sheri both graduated from Bethel in 1993, have been married for 33 years and live in Mishawaka. Together, they have two children, Zachary (27) and Madison (25). Sheri also works on Bethel’s campus for Sodexo and serves as the University’s Food Service Manager.
