Hall of Fame
Chris Hess has been an integral part in taking Bethel University’s athletic department to another level. He has filled many roles while at Bethel and has an exemplary record as a coach, all while modeling the role of a servant leader who is cloaked in humility. Chris’ heart is for the Lord, and he is passionate about athletics within Christian higher education.
The 1994 graduate of Bethel was named men’s golf head coach in 1996 and for the next 17 seasons had a winning percentage of 75.6% with a school record 37 tournament titles. In 2011, Chris took over the women’s golf program, compiling another school record 56 tournament titles and a winning percentage of 77.7%. In total, Chris’ golf teams have appeared in 25 NCCAA National Championships and 15 NAIA National Championships, while capturing four conference championships and one NCCAA national title. He also assisted both the men’s (1994-2000) and women’s (2005-2014) basketball programs, helping them to a combined record of 400-101 with four NCCAA national titles and three NAIA national titles.
Chris has a true heart for student-athletes and works hard to give them a tremendous experience. As a head coach, Chris has coached 13 NCCAA All-Americans, seven NAIA All-Americans, 43 NCCAA Scholar-Athletes, 62 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, and six NCCAA Scholar Teams. He also coached three NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award Series recipients in women’s golf and one in women’s basketball. These awards for his student-athletes are a testament to Chris’ investment in their academic, athletic, and, most importantly, spiritual growth.
One of Chris’ greatest strengths is his humble service as he will gladly perform thankless tasks from sweeping floors to compiling media guides. He has served the NCCAA in various roles, including National Chair for both men’s golf and women’s golf. Chris has led or co-led seven mission trips with Bethel athletic teams, has mentored dozens, and impacted untold numbers of student-athletes, including in sports he never coached. Chris is a multi-gifted individual, willing to serve wherever the greatest need exists.
Bethel University Athletic Director Tony Natali stated, “I have had the pleasure of working side by side with Chris the past 24 years. He is extremely humble in his day-to-day duties and has done them all in a way that exceeds expectations. What comes across loud and clear is his heart for the Lord.”
“In 1994, I hired Chris and Sheri Hess at Bethel,” said Dr. Dennis Engbrecht, Senior Vice President Emeritus. “It may well have been the best hires I made in my 30 years at Bethel. Chris is a godly man who has remained faithful and caring to his wife and two children. It is evident in their love for Chris and the deep commitment they have to serve the Lord.”
Former Bethel professor Dr. Bob Laurent said, “I’ve known Chris Hess for over 20 years and believe he is one of the finest coaches and Christian gentlemen in the land. He is a man of great personal integrity, common sense, notorious humor, and abiding faith. Chris has moved countless young lives toward Christ over the past 30 years.”
The NCCAA is honored to induct Chris Hess into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2022.