Coaching Staff
Mark Bell (Head Coach) mbell@cornerstone.edu
Mark Bell enters his 12th season as the Men’s Soccer Coach at Cornerstone University. In eleven seasons with the Golden Eagles, Bell has compiled a 115-85-22 record while coaching 1 MLS draft pick, 10 NAIA All-American-HM selections, 12 All-Region selections, 3 WHAC Players of the Year, 22 All-Conference honorees and 7 Academic All-Americans. Bell has been named WHAC Coach of the Year on three occasions (‘00, ‘03, and ‘06) and Champions of Character Coach of the Year one occasion (2007).
Prior to coming to Cornerstone, Bell spent 3 seasons as an Assistant Coach at the University of Mass/Boston (‘95-‘97). He helped the Beacon’s to their only ECAC New England Tournament appearance with a 13-5-2 record. Bell also served as an Assistant Coach for North Park College in Chicago, Ill (‘87-‘90). Highlights include helping program go from a 2-14 season to 2 winning seasons and appearances in CCIW Conference playoff finals.
Bell attended Wheaton College (‘79-‘83) where he made two NCAA tournament appearances and played under Hall of Fame Coach Joe Bean. He also competed abroad in Europe with Lay Witness for Christ.
Bell has his Advanced National Diploma from NSCAA and teaches classes in the kinesiology department for Cornerstone in addition to his coaching duties. He has also taken the men’s program on two mission’s trips to the Ukraine and Brazil.
Mark and his wife Catherine, have two sons Zack and Josh. Catherine is a professor for Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
Steve Herdsman (Asst. Coach)
Steve begins his fourth season as assistant coach for the Golden Eagles. Steve played for the Golden Eagles in 2000. He was named All Conference, WHAC Player of the Year, All Region and NAIA All American-HM. He was then drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the 2nd round (17th overall) in the Major League Soccer Draft. Steve played 2 years for Colorado and was traded to Columbus Crew. Steve retired after the 2005 season and returned to Grand Rapids with his family, wife Betsey (CU Alum and women’s soccer team member)and daughter Lindsey. Steve is also currently coaching for Grand Rapids Crew Jr's.
Brett Lile (Asst. Coach)
Brett has been involved in either playing or coaching soccer for the last 28 years. He played college soccer here at Cornerstone University (1983 to 86). In 1983 and 1984, Brett was part of the national qualifying teams that placed 3rd and 7th overall in the NCCAA. Brett had the privilege of playing under Dr. John Bratcher, the nation’s fourth winningest college coach. Brett has served as an Assistant Coach at Western Michigan Christian High School. During his tenure, the boys program produced three State Championships for the Warriors. Brett holds an Advanced National Diploma from the NSCAA, and is currently the President of Shoreline Indoor Soccer Club in Spring Lake, MI. Brett lives in Grand Haven, MI with his wife Beth (Everitt CU ’84) and their two daughters Summer and Shelby.
Sean Carlson (Asst. Coach)
Sean Carlson played at Rockford High School where he earned All Conference, All District, and All-State HM honors. Sean went on to play here at Cornerstone from 1997-2001, where he played forward and midfield. He graduated from Cornerstone with a degree in Marketing/Sales. After graduating, Sean played with G.R. United, West Michigan Edge Reserves, and various other teams. Sean has a passion for the game and helping others to play at their best. Sean has been coaching for 9 years, 7 with Rockford and 2 with Forrest Hills Northern. He currently works for Malys as a Sales Consultant. Sean lives in Rockford with his wife Kelli and their two children Jonah and Laney Rose.
Jerry Duckworth (Asst. Coach)
Coach Duckworth will take over the Junior Varsity program. Jerry is a graduate of Northern Michigan University with a BA in Education. He received his MA from Grand Valley in Secondary Education. He currently teaches Social Studies and Physical Education for North Pointe Christian High School in Grand Rapids. He has been teaching for 24 years. Jerry brings 23 years of coaching experience to our staff this season. He has coached the last 12 years at Northpointe Christian High School. Highlights during that time include 141 wins, making State Finals in 2000, 3 District Championships, and 3 River Valley Conference Championships. Jerry has earned his NSCAA Regional Diploma and his E License. He has been married for 25 years to his wife, Kathleen and has 3 kids, Josh, Joy, and Anna. Jerry enjoys Bow hunting, kayaking, flyfishing and camping when he is not on the soccer field
