Greetings K Club Members,

Let me start by thanking you for your continued support of Knox athletics and the experience it provides for our student-athletes. It is always a pleasure to impact the lives of young people.

On Monday, February 20, 2012, I accepted the position of head men’s soccer coach at Knox -- the first full-time head coach in the program’s history. I couldn’t be more honored and excited to join the Prairie Fire staff and get started in my new position.

I come to Knox after five years in Massachusetts, leading successful soccer teams at both Amherst and Springfield Colleges. Most recently, the Amherst Lord Jeffs won their division title and advanced to the NCAA Division III Sweet 16. I look forward to working with the Knox student-athletes to achieve similar success for the Prairie Fire.

One thing that became very clear to me throughout the search process was how much people care about Knox’s soccer program. Three seniors attended my interview. They won’t be with the program next year, but they still took the time to support the College through the search process. I’m anticipating that a similar emotional attachment will be apparent in everyone who has been involved in Knox's storied history. If we can direct this energy, together we can achieve great things.

One of the primary areas where I would welcome your support as a member of the K Club is in the identification and recruitment of future Knox students. If you know of a prospective student, please share with me their contact information so that I can begin the recruiting process. The college search process today is more competitive than ever, and each interaction with a prospective student makes a difference.

This is an exciting time for Knox College soccer, as well as the Prairie Fire athletic department. As the soccer program’s first full-time coach, I believe that success is not a question of “if” but “when.” Go Prairie Fire!

Yours truly,

Matt Edwards
Prairie Fire Men's Soccer Head Track Coach

Kristin McDonald is a rising senior. The Chicago, Illinois, native plays for the Prairie Fire volleyball and women's basketball teams. Kristin is an economics major. Get to know Kristin:

What’s your favorite place to eat in Galesburg? I have two: The Cellar and The Landmark.

What are your career goals? I want to eventually own my own business, possibly a restaurant.

What is your favorite sports team? I am a big fan of the Bears and the Bulls!

What three people in history would you like to have a meal with? Why? I would want to have a meal with Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali because they were amazing to watch and are legends in basketball and boxing. They were very strong and successful, and I would love to talk about their experiences. I would also like to have a meal with The Beatles because their music is awesome.

What’s your favorite city to visit? Portland!

What’s your most memorable Knox moment? Beating Lake Forest two seasons ago on our home court, 52-47, was pretty cool!

What’s your favorite thing about Knox? All my amazing friends and the relationships we have built.

What things you like to do in your free time? Play sports, hang out with family and friends, go to the movies, read, travel, and listen to music.

What event in history do you wish you could have been a part of? Why? I wish I could have been able to be part of the '80s. It was an exciting time.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? I do not have a driver's license.

What’s your favorite meal? Steak with a side of mashed potatoes and corn.

What is your pre-game/pre-competition ritual or superstition?
I have to listen to a specific play list of songs before every game to prepare, and I specifically have to listen to “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor before I leave the locker room. I have been listening to this song since high school to pump me up before games. I also have to tie my shoes a specific way.

What music do you have on your iPod? I listen to a lot of different music, such as Drake, The Script, Wiz Khalifa, Blink-182, The Beatles, Mac Miller, Rascal Flatts, and Spice Girls.

NCAA Recognizes Hendrick as Division III Tackles Leader