A Spring Arbor University alumnus is coming home. A four-year letterwinner from 2010-13, Marco Bernardini is returning to campus to become the next head coach of the men’s soccer program.
“We are really excited to welcome Marco home,” said SAU Athletic Director Ryan Cottingham. “His energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Coach Bernardini is a tireless worker, committed to the pursuit of excellence on and off the pitch. Marco is highly respected, both, inside and outside the soccer community and I’m looking forward to seeing how God uses him to impact lives for the Kingdom.”
"I'd like to thank President Ellis, Doug Wilcoxson, Ryan Cottingham, and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to lead the Spring Arbor University men's soccer program into the future,” stated Bernardini. “It's no secret how passionate I am about Spring Arbor soccer and I am humbled to have been selected for this great responsibility. I am beyond excited to get to work!"
Bernardini returns to Spring Arbor with coaching experience at nearly every level. He coached teams with Michigan Rush Jackson from 2011-18, and has since served as the Michigan Rush Jackson Director. He had a stint at the high school level, coaching the girls varsity team at Jackson High School from 2015-19, and has been an assistant coach at nearby Albion College since 2014. He has coached the women’s side since 2014 while spending one year as the men’s assistant coach in 2015.
Bernardini was a key member of the Cougars during his time at SAU. A four-year starter and two-year captain, Bernardini helped turn around the soccer program at Spring Arbor and led the team to its first Crossroads League Tournament title in 2012, guiding the Cougars to a 16-4-2 record and a trip to the national tournament for the first time in more than 30 years.
Since finishing his career at Spring Arbor, and in addition to his coaching efforts, Bernardini has continued to play at a high level. He has played semi-professionally with Detroit City FC, Lansing United, Toledo United FC, AFC Ann Arbor, the Michigan Jaguars, and most recently with Lansing Common FC.
Bernardini graduated from Spring Arbor University with a degree in accounting in 2015 and holds a USSF National “D” License.
