The Concordia University Ann Arbor athletic department announces Kristin Abbott as the head coach of the Concordia Cardinals women’s soccer program beginning July 1, 2016.


Abbott, former all-american women’s soccer player at Spring Arbor University, previously assisted on the women’s soccer coaching staff at Spring Arbor University prior to coming to CUAA and is currently a staff coach with the Michigan Alliance and Legacy Center in Brighton, Mich.

A native of Troy, Mich. and alumna of Lahser High School, Abbott will take over for Steve Shelton who was recently hired as an assistant women’s soccer coach at Ball State University.

“We are very excited to have Coach Abbott join our staff here at Concordia,” said Director of Athletics, Lonnie Pries.  “She has a passion for strengthening the character and leadership ability of young women and will have the opportunity to do that here in our athletic department.”

Voted into the Crossroads League All-Conference team three times, Abbott was named NAIA Third Team All-American and Crossroads League Offensive Player of the Year in her senior season (2010). She was the NCCAA national tournament MVP in 2010, landing the Cougars a spot in the NAIA national tournament. With 38 career goals and 28 career assists, Abbott led the Cougars to a 66-20-8 record during her collegiate career (2007-2011). Abbott also competed for a season with the Buxmont Torch in summer of 2010, a semi-professional team.

After an illustrious career as a student-athlete at Spring Arbor University, she became an assistant coach for the Cougars under head coach Jason Crist. Crist, currently in his 17th season as head coach, has led the program to seven NAIA national tournament appearances, six straight since Abbott’s senior season in 2010.

“Coach Abbott is a product of Spring Arbor University and will be able to bring her knowledge of the game and competitive experience to Concordia as she works to take our women’s program to the next level,” said Director of Athletics Lonnie Pries.
Abbott said that soccer has been a part of her life since a very young age. She was challenged, encouraged, and trained by high-level coaches throughout her experiences, building a platform for her own coaching career.

“I’m excited to be a part of the CUAA family,” said Abbott. “The sport of soccer has molded me as a student-athlete, soccer player, Christian, mentor, and coach. I believe in the mission and values of Concordia and am eager to give back the enthusiasm and support that has been shared with me.”

Abbott demonstrates and supports the mission of Concordia Cardinal athletics, encouraging and assisting student athletes academically in reaching their career goals, competing for conference and national championships, and above all, producing individuals of integrity who seek to put Christ First in Everything.

— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.

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