The Concordia University Ann Arbor athletic department has named Allison Unger the Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track Coach. She will also serve as Director of Operations for the Cross Country and Track and Field programs. Unger will begin her responsibilities at Concordia on July 1, 2020.

Unger comes to Concordia from Lutheran High School Westland where she served as a coach, teacher, and school counselor since 2010. Unger played an integral role in building a competitive cross country program for the Warriors, with some student-athletes going on to compete at the collegiate level.

Director of Athletics Lonnie Pries believes Unger's experience and missional focus, make her a great fit for the program. "We are extremely excited to have Alli become a part of the Concordia family," said Pries. "Alli has a number of years of experience as a cross country and track coach, which will help her as she strives to serve our student athletes here at Concordia."

Unger is not a stranger to the Concordia system as she completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in education and counseling at Concordia University Wisconsin. During her time as a Falcon, Unger earned all-conference honors and ranks among the top 20 fastest cross country times in program history. She also earned recognition as a scholar-athlete from the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.

"Cross country has been such a blessing in my life," said Unger. "Having had the opportunity to run at the collegiate level under the guidance of Russ DeLap gave me the chance to grow in a variety of areas. Many of the characteristics that enable you to be a successful cross country runner also translate into success in your personal and professional life – namely perseverance, grit, and strong team mentality."

Unger has always taken a missional approach to her coaching and teaching styles. She looks at coaching as an opportunity to develop Christian leaders. Unger encourages her student-athletes to prioritize relationships with their teammates and with Jesus.

Pries and the Cardinal athletic department prioritize that approach as well, integrating the four core values of Christ-centered, integrity, championship mindset, and servant leadership into the culture of the department.

"Alli's heart for Jesus will give her the awesome opportunity to help our students not only grow as athletes and students, but also as Christians," said Pries.

"I'm thrilled that God has given me the opportunity to coach at Concordia," said Unger. "I look forward to working with these young men and women as they use their gifts to glorify our Lord. Coaching is so much more than the daily grind of practice and weekly competition, it is also the opportunity to build relationships on and off the course. I hope that I can continue to grow and improve the cross country and track programs at CUAA as I put my own personal stamp on the program."

Unger will be joined by her husband Dan and four children; Kara, Dathan, Max and Julia. They reside In Dearborn and are members at Guardian Lutheran Church.