COLUMBIA, Mo. – Columbia College men's and women's soccer head coach John Klein has resigned to accept the position as head women's soccer coach at NCAA Division I Southeast Missouri State University.
 
A staple in the Columbia athletic department for the last 30 years, Klein is the winningest coach all-time in both the men's and women's soccer programs. He compiled an overall record of 558-174-63 (.742) during his time at CC, and was a 13-time American Midwest Conference (AMC) Coach of the Year honoree. Klein guided the Cougars to 22 AMC titles and 25 NAIA Tournament appearances between the two programs.
 
"The decision was extremely difficult as Columbia College and the community of Columbia have given my family such tremendous amounts of love and support over the years. Julie and I are extremely grateful for the life and friendships we were able to build here in Columbia," said Klein, "I will always cherish the wonderful memories of the last 30 years, beginning with my years as the assistant to my wonderful friend and mentor, Dan Hogan."
 
Klein served as an assistant men's soccer coach under Hogan for five years before taking the reins of the program in 2000. He posted a 343-124-50 (.712) record in 24 seasons, leading the Cougars to 10 American Midwest Conference (AMC) titles, 12 AMC Tournament Championships and 13 NAIA Tournament appearances.
 
Klein guided the men's team to historic seasons in 2019, 2020 and 2021, as the Cougars reached the NAIA Semifinals in three-straight seasons. The 2019 team produced the best single-season winning percentage in program history (.958) with a 23-1 overall record.
 
"While we are extremely proud for John to take this next step in his coaching career, we will sincerely miss his leadership and championship spirit on our staff," said Director of Athletics Cindy Potter. "The Klein family have been fixtures in the Columbia community and a mainstay in Cougar athletics. We wish John nothing but success in the future!"
 
Klein was chosen to lead the women's program in its debut in 2012. He led the Cougars to a 215-50-13 (.797) overall mark in 13 seasons, advancing to the NAIA National Tournament 12 times with 12 AMC Regular Season Championships and 11 AMC Tournament Championships.
 
The Cougars are coming off a record-breaking season in 2024 where CC posted a 20-2-1 overall record and advanced to the NAIA Semifinals for the first time in program history. Klein also guided Columbia to its 10th-straight AMC Tournament title.
 
"While it's super sad to see Coach Klein go, I couldn't be more thrilled for him and this next adventure. John certainly left his mark on Cougar athletics, the American Midwest Conference, and NAIA soccer," said James Arnold, Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing, & Athletics. "I'm pumped to see him thrive at the next level. Our friends at SEMO are getting an absolute coaching star and I'm confident championships will follow."
 
Connor Bandre will serve as Acting Head Coach for both the men's and women's soccer programs while a national search is conducted to fill the head coaching positions for each team.