David Blahnik was named Olivet Nazarene University's men's soccer head coach, Director of Athletics Gary Newsome announced recently.

Blahnik has served as an assistant coach for the last six years and replaces Justin Crew, who left Olivet after five years as head coach. Crew will become an assistant coach at Niagara University, a NCAA Division I institution in Lewiston, New York.

“I couldn't be more excited,” Blahnik said. “To have the opportunity to work in a positive, Christian environment means a lot to my wife and me.”

Since Blahnik joined the coaching staff in 2006, the Tigers have compiled a 68-44-8 record, which includes the first Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship and NAIA national tournament berth in school history.

"We are very excited to have a young man of David's caliber lead our men’s soccer program,” Newsome said. “David is a strong Christian who understands the mission of our athletic department, as well as the mission of ONU."

Blahnik, 28, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the sideline. His accreditations from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America include an Advanced National Diploma; Level I, II, and III Goalkeeping Diploma; and Director of Coaching Diploma. In 2010, he joined the staff of the USSA-DUFC, a local soccer club, and in 2011, he started the Kankakee Goalkeeping Academy, a youth goalkeeping school in Kankakee County, Illinois.

Blahnik is looking forward to success in his newest challenge.

“The future of ONU soccer looks great," Blahnik said. "We have top-of-the-line facilities, offer great education programs, and have a great group of determined, hard-working young men."

Before joining the Olivet coaching staff as an assistant, Blahnik served as captain and earned all-conference recognition during his four years as a Tigers player. A native of Highland, Indiana, he graduated from Olivet in 2007 with a degree in sports management and completed his MBA from Olivet in 2010.

His wife, Karlynn, is also an ONU alumna and teaches kindergarten at Bradley East Elementary School.
--Olivet Nazarene University