Cougar Soccer Head Coach
John Klein
John Klein began his tenure as head men’s soccer coach at Columbia College on February 11, 2000. In his first season at the helm, Klein led the Cougars to American Midwest Conference regular season and postseason tournament titles. The squad finished with a record of 16-5-1. In his second campaign, the Cougars completed a 14-6-1 season, winning the American Midwest Conference tournament title and advancing to the NAIA Region V Playoffs for the second consecutive year. In 2002, the Cougars again prevailed as AMC regular season champs, finishing with a mark of 13-8.
In 2003, the Cougars made the program's first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. Columbia finished the AMC regular season with a mark of 7-0. Despite falling to Lindenwood University in the Region V final, the squad secured Columbia an at-large berth into the national playoff.
In 2004, the Cougars again scored the AMC regular season title, finishing with a record of 14-3-2. In 2005 the Cougars lost in the AMC play-in tournament. In 2006 the Cougars advanced to the Region V semifinals and ended the season with an overall record of 11-7-1.
The last two seasons the Cougars have combined for a 17-17-4 record, bringing Klein's career coaching mark at Columbia to 107-58-8.
Klein served as the assistant coach at Columbia College during the 1995 and 1996 seasons while pursuing a master's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri. Prior to his arrival at Columbia, he spent three years as a manager of warehousing for IMC Salt in Overland Park, Kan.
A native of St. Louis, John played two seasons at Duke University (1983-84) before returning to complete his career at St. Louis University (1985-86).
Upon graduation from SLU, Klein played eight years professionally. He played outdoor (American Professional Soccer League) for the Colorado Foxes (1990-91) and the Miami Freedom (1992). His professional indoor experience includes time with the St. Louis Ambush (1992-96, National Professional Soccer League), the Kansas City Comets (1990-91, Major Soccer League), and two stints with the St. Louis Storm (1989-90, 1991-92, Major Soccer League).
John’s wife, Julie, and their son John D Klein III and daughters Molly and Emily, reside in Columbia. Klein enjoys golfing and spending time with his family in his spare time.