Who We Are
Chris & Kelly Bergmann,
Co- Founders
Chris is a strategist, mentor, and leader with a passion for shaping organizations and the people within them. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Westmont College (CA) and his M.A. in Educational Formation & Ministry from Wheaton College (IL).
With more than 25 years in athletics, education, and leadership development, Chris has served as Head Coach for both men’s and women’s collegiate soccer programs at a variety of institutions. His experience includes leading NCAA Division I women’s teams at Virginia Military Institute and Stetson University, guiding the NCAA Division III men’s program at Lake Forest College, at Trinity International University (NAIA) as well as the men’s program at Hope International University (NAIA). He was also a part of the BIG10 as an assistant coach for the women’s soccer program at Northwestern University.
His coaching achievements include national rankings, conference championships, academic honors, and mentoring athletes who have competed professionally and internationally.
Chris has also served as Executive Director of multiple competitive youth sports organizations and invested in clubs nationwide, including San Diego Surf, Chicago Fire, Chicago Magic, Lincolnshire Lightning, Orlando City Soccer Club, Florida Kraze Krush, and Central Florida United.
We have a passion for creating relationally driven spaces that inspire transformational experiences for young people and all who are involved. Our approach goes beyond simply providing a journey map for success—we walk alongside each individual and organization every step of the way. Unmatched personal investment is our commitment, honoring each partnership’s unique opportunities and needs.
Our journey has taken us from classrooms to championship fields, from local churches to elite sporting clubs, from NCAA Division I sidelines to international ministry, and from mentoring small groups to advising entire organizations. Our work spans preschool through college-aged students, as well as the leaders, teachers, and coaches who guide them.
Together, we bring over 50 years of combined experience in education, athletics, academic mentoring, leadership training, and ministry. After 15 years teaching, coaching, and raising our family in the Chicago area, we moved to Virginia and later Florida—continuing to coach, mentor, lead, and parent. We’re known for fostering environments where people feel seen, valued, and equipped to thrive in every area of life.
We’re also proud parents to two amazing teenagers, Aidan (15) and Mackenzie (13).
Chris Bergmann
In addition to his athletic leadership, Chris has been Director of Student Life and Soccer at DME Academy (FL), a high school and middle school science and math teacher, and co-founder of AIM Academic Mentoring in Illinois—a program dedicated to personal mentorship and college test preparation.
Whether guiding an NCAA program, mentoring student-athletes, or advising organizational leaders, Chris’s consistent aim is to help people maximize their potential while staying rooted in purpose and character.
Kelly Bergmann
Kelly is a connector, culture builder and educator whose career blends high-level athletics, faith-based leadership, and holistic student development. She holds dual B.A.s in Communications and Christian Education & Ministry, as well as an M.A. in Educational Formation & Ministry from Wheaton College (IL), where she was a dual-sport student-athlete in soccer and softball, and reaching the 2001 NCAA DIII National Championship Final Four in soccer.
Her post-collegiate soccer career included national and international playing experience with the Chicago Eagles and Southern California Seahorses, a division of Missionary Athletes International. Kelly’s playing career and ministry work launched her into collegiate coaching, as Head Women’s Soccer coach at Hope International University (NAIA). She went on to coach soccer and softball at Trinity International University (NAIA), and later co-coached alongside her husband at Lake Forest College (NCAA DIII) and Virginia Military Institute (NCAA DI).
Kelly’s professional background also includes roles such as Student Wellness Coordinator, Middle School Bible Teacher, Children’s Ministry Director, and Upper Elementary PE Coach. She has coached at multiple competitive levels, including NCAA Division I, NCAA Division III, NAIA, middle school, high school, and elite travel clubs. Kelly has directed large-scale athletic operations for organizations like the Illinois Soccer Coaching Academy and Virginia Military Institute.
Beyond athletics, Kelly has developed curriculum for educational and ministry environments, led school-wide wellness and culture-building initiatives, mentored student leaders, and coordinated numerous community events. Her mission remains constant: to guide young people toward excellence in skill, strength in character, and confidence in their God-given identity.
