Belleman to resign after spring semester
After six years as MVNU men’s soccer head coach, Andrew Belleman announced his resignation, effective at the end of spring semester.
Belleman accepted a position as head coach of the men’s program at Arizona Christian University.
With three young children, Belleman and his wife, Tiffany, were looking to live closer to family. Tiffany’s entire family resides in Arizona.
In exploring their options, Belleman applied to ACU, one of the few faith-based universities in the area.
“It is a seamless fit in terms of the environment I want to be in and work in,” Belleman said.
ACU recently started the soccer program and until this point, Alan Berrios has coached both the men’s and women’s teams. Berrios will now focus solely on the women’s program as Belleman steps in with the men.
“I want to develop a similar culture there,” said Belleman. “A team culture where there are meaningful relationships on and off the field.”
Belleman and his family will move to Phoenix, Arizona, the fifth largest city in the country. The move is a “restart” for the family with “bigger, unique opportunities” in the future, Belleman said.
Belleman will leave behind a 55-44-17 overall record and five Crossroads League tournament appearances. The Cougars made it to the semi-finals in 2012 and 2015 under his leadership.
“I have learned a lot as a coach here and I am thankful that MVNU took a chance and hired me,” Belleman said. “I feel like I am leaving the program in a good place.”
Looking back at his time at MVNU, Belleman is thankful for the team’s family environment and relationships that have developed on and off the field.
As the head coach, Belleman worked to create a culture of support and legacy among the team. He established a program that connected his collegiate players with alumni who passed through the program.
“We wanted them to honor the ones before,” said Belleman. “They are not the only ones who have worn the jersey and we want them to think about the legacy they will leave.”
Belleman hopes that mindset will continue even after he departs from MVNU.
Current players said Belleman’s focus on teamwork and relationships will not be forgotten.
“I will always remember the verse he always repeated: ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another’ (Prov. 27:17),” said senior forward Daniel Rodriguez. “Coach worked hard to build a strong team culture and I think this was the main cause of our success last season.”
Rodriguez said he is thankful for his time with Belleman and the legacy he will leave behind.
“Since I became a part of the men’s soccer team, my work ethic has improved and Coach Belleman is responsible for this,” he said. “In the future, I will definitely apply what I have learned from him about team culture in the business world.”
As he departs, Belleman hopes the guys will continue to intentionally develop relationships, integrate faith and create memorable experiences on and off the field.
“These are the memories that, when the guys come back, they will talk about,” Belleman said.
In addition to his role as head coach, Belleman will work with the retention department at ACU in an administrative role.