Chris Krepline
Chris Krepline
Class Year
’09
Current home
Kimberly, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Exercise and Sport Science
Current Position
Head Baseball Coach at Lawrence University and Field Manager for the Green Bay Rockers
Chris Krepline ’09, who majored in exercise and sport science at Carthage, is now the head baseball coach at Lawrence University and the field manager for the Green Bay Rockers in the Northwoods League. He was named the 2022 Midwest Conference Coach of the Year, 2022 Region 9 Coach of the Year D3 Baseball, and Region 9 Coach of the Year ABCA.
As a Carthage alumnus, Mr. Krepline is part of The Aspire Network and tries to help young students who are looking into becoming teachers and coaches. “Carthage was a second home to me, and by staying involved with the College, I hope to help a future student the same way that professors, coaches, and alumni helped me along the way.”
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“The relationships I build with players and being able to coach the sport I love. I get to wake up and go to a baseball field as a career, so not a single day seems like work.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“I have taken many great things from the coaches and administrators at Carthage. They were great mentors to me, and they eventually molded me into the coach I am today. While at Carthage, I played on some very successful teams with amazing coaching staffs that helped instill confidence, work ethic, and passion for the game into my career.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“When I was first hired out of college, I worked part time as a physical education and health teacher. My experience that came from Carthage and a liberal arts degree helped make me versatile, enabling me to wear many hats within the district. This allowed me to create a positive influence on my students, which later led to me being hired on full time. Carthage gave me strong communication skills and the ability to be well organized. It helped me problem solve with our administrators and helped me lead my district into completing a PEP grant that completely redefined our physical education and health programs.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage as I was given the opportunity to play both football and baseball while pursuing a degree to become a teacher, coach, and trainer. It gave me the opportunity to play the sports I loved while learning more about the things that I enjoyed such as training, nutrition, and teaching young minds.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“The professors in the Exercise and Sport Science Department were some of my greatest mentors. Professor Gary Williams was a teacher and assistant football coach. He was so enthusiastic about life, sports, and education. He guided me through good times and tough. He was always there for me along with so many others. I also am very thankful for the professors in the Education Department who helped mold my teaching style and were positive role models to me. They showed me what great teachers can do to inspire the best out of their students.”
What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?
“These words speak to me as a life-long learner who is driven to inspire others through teaching, coaching, and service. These are values I learned but also instill with my own family, players, and coaching staff.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“Winning the 2004 football conference championship and going on to the national quarterfinals. Competing in the D3 College World Series in Baseball. Memories made throughout campus and around the town of Kenosha. My best friends are all from Carthage and are like family.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Keep an open mind, treat everyone like family, network, and develop relationships. You never know who you might meet that could change your life or help guide you to a better one.”