Coaching Staff
Mark Bell (Head Coach) mbell@cornerstone.edu
Coach Bell begins his tenth season as head coach of the Golden Eagles with a career record of 99-66-20. Under his direction the Golden Eagles have had 8 winning seasons. Highlights since the 1998 season include 2006 WHAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships, 2003 WHAC Tournament Championship, seeing 2000 WHAC Player of the Year Steve Herdsman drafted into Major League Soccer by Colorado Rapids, and mission’s trips to Ukraine and Brazil.
Mark played at Wheaton College (1979-82) under Joe Bean (600 career wins). He earned his B.S. in physical education with an emphasis on exercise science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mark has his Advanced National Diploma from National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Mark resides in Rockford with his wife Catherine and their two boys, Zack and Josh. Catherine teaches at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
Josh Sheldon (Asst. Coach)
Josh returns for his fifth season as assistant coach for the Golden Eagles. In addition to his high energy coaching style, Josh is an excellent recruiter and loves working with developing young players. Josh works full time as the general manager of the Soccer Spot in Kentwood. In addition to his duties at the Spot, he is Director of Coaching for GRASA as well as the Girls’ Varsity Coach for Forest Hills Central. Josh has his National Diploma from National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
During his collegiate career, Josh played two years at Central Michigan University and two years at Hope College. Josh was an All-MIAA and All Region player for Hope College. After college, Josh played semi-pro for Grand Rapids Explosion. He resides in Grand Rapids with his wife, Lisa and daughter, Avery.
Steve Herdsman (Asst. Coach)
Steve returns to Cornerstone University from a career in professional soccer. Steve recently retired from Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer. Steve brings a wealth of experience as a player and coach. During his college days he was an All American-HM sweeper at Cornerstone for the 2000 season. He was drafted by the Colorado Rapids of the MLS seventeenth overall. He helped coach the 2003 Cornerstone team to their first tournament championship and is working in the USL’s Professional Development League. Steve lives in Rockford with his wife Betsy (CU Alum and women’s soccer player) and daughter, Lindsey.
