DEFIANCE, Ohio- Christian Meister, no stranger to Defiance College and the men's soccer program, has rejoined the team as assistant coach.

After Meister served as an assistant coach on an interim basis during the 2019 season, Head Coach Cory Bucur is excited to have Christian aboard permanently.

"We are excited to keep Christian within the program on a full-time basis," said Bucur. "He stepped into a difficult position when the program needed another coach last fall, and truly went above and beyond."

Meister assisted in leading the Purple and Gold to a 9-9-2 record in 2019, the program's highest win total since the 2013 season. He was an integral part of the coaching staff that saw two players, Adam Ordel and Bennett Pack, earn All-Ohio honors this season.

"To be able to promote him into this role is something our guys are already excited about," Bucur added. "I truly believe he will play a big role in helping the program achieve our goals for the next season and beyond."

The 2018 DC graduate had a standout career on the field for the Purple and Gold before returning to the sideline. 

Meister earned Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference honors twice during his career as a Yellow Jacket. A 2017 and 2018 Second Team All-HCAC honoree, he was also named to the OCSA All-Ohio Team after his 2017 campaign.

The Ontario, Ohio native sits in the Defiance College record books in numerous locations. During an individual season, Meister has broken into the top ten in goals (8), goals per game (.44), total points (19), and points per game (1.05).

Meister's four-year career at Defiance also lands him in the record books in goals (18), goals per game (.27), assists (8), total points (44) and points per game (.67). 

Meister completed his undergraduate degree in molecular biology in 2018.