Muskingum University Vice President and Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank has announced the hiring of Adam Ponder as the 13th head coach in the history of the men's soccer program.
Ponder, the former Director of Coaching for the Ohio Fusion Soccer Club, spent the past five years coaching collegiately at Valparaiso University, the University of Mount Union, and Wright State University.
While an assistant at Valparaiso, Ponder helped lead the team to a top 25 ranking and an overall record of 25-16-15, which included a 10-5-4 season in 2016. Ponder mentored and directed numerous student-athletes who were recognized with individual awards within the conference and region including Goalkeeper of the Year, multiple first and second team all-conference selections, and NSCAA regional nominations. Several of those student-athletes were selected to represent their respective National teams and have continued their careers as professional athletes.
"We are excited to welcome Adam Ponder into our Muskingum family," said Muskingum Vice President and Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank. "Adam brings a wide array of experience, knowledge, and talent to Muskingum. We are eager to see him positively impact the student-athletes and to elevate the men's soccer program within the Ohio Athletic Conference."
Ponder started his coaching career as an undergraduate student at Indiana University. While at Indiana, he organized and implemented training sessions, assisted in the development of player skills, and aided in recruitment efforts.
In 2013, Ponder transitioned to college athletics as a volunteer assistant at the University of Mount Union. He also honed his skills coaching in the club ranks at Canton United SC, United Elite, Knoxville FC, Bloomington Cutters SC, and for the Indiana Elite FC before being named assistant coach at Wright State in 2017.
Ponder graduated from Indiana in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in tourism management. He continued his education at the University of Tennessee where he earned a Master's degree in recreation and leisure studies in 2010.