Matt Hotchkin, longtime head coach for Grace College’s men’s soccer program, is taking the soccer coaching job at his alma mater, Bob Jones University. (Photo provided)

WINONA LAKE – Longtime Grace men’s soccer coach Matt Hotchkin has accepted the head men’s soccer coaching position at Bob Jones University (S.C.).

Hotchkin is returning to his roots with the move; he graduated from Bob Jones and now returns home to coach his alma mater.

Hotchkin is the winningest coach in program history, racking up a career record of 112-87-28 in his 11 seasons.

He had a winning record in seven of his past eight years, climaxing with a 15-win season last year. Grace’s 15 wins in 2018 marked the program’s most since 1983.

“It has been an honor to coach here at Grace College during these last 11 seasons. My family has grown to love this college and this town, and we will forever be thankful for the opportunities that we have been given here in Winona Lake, Indiana,” Hotchkin said. “God has placed a special blessing on Grace College, and I am especially thankful to the faculty, staff, students and alumni who have demonstrated to me a faithfulness that is beyond excellent. Dr. Katip and Coach Briscoe, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent this college. To the men that have worn a Lancer uniform, I love you.”

In the three years prior to Hotchkin assuming control of the Lancers, Grace had averaged just one Crossroads League win per year. Hotchkin dramatically transformed Grace into a perennial power both within the conference and on a national scale.

Grace made seven national tournaments during Hotchkin’s tenure. The Lancers qualified for the NAIA National Championships in 2017 for the first time in 35 years.

“We deeply appreciate all that Coach Hotchkin has done for the men’s soccer program at Grace over the past 11 years. He has helped build the program into national recognition, both athletically and academically,” said Grace Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe. “I appreciate Matt, his wife Jennifer and their family’s investment into the lives of the young men that God has entrusted to the program. We are excited for them as they return home and wish Matt all the best as he coaches his alma mater. I am thankful for Matt’s commitment to Christian excellence and impacting men’s lives for the Lord through soccer at Grace.”

A national search for Grace’s next men’s soccer coach will begin immediately. Assistant coach Nikola Blazic will assume the day-to-day responsibilities during the coaching search.