Mid-Continent University announced on Monday that Mr. Hannibal Najjar will become the Head Men's Soccer Coach this fall. Coach Najjar, affectionately known to his close friends as, "Hanni", and some, "Bal", is a well-known figure in the CONCACAF region. He is a former National Team Coach and Technical Director of the National Program for his native of Trinidad & Tobago. During the 80's and 90's, he also served in several capacities there, including Coach of the National Under-17, Under-20, and Olympic Teams, and as Assistant Coach of the Caribbean All-Stars. Here in the United States, Coach Najjar has coached at both the NCAA and NAIA levels, high schools, and served as State Head Coach for the Olympic Development Program in Mississippi and was Head Coach at the USL level. Hannibal was also Director of Coaching for the ODP in the State of Mississippi and as, U-15 ODP Coach and Club Director in Colorado. As if there could be more, his coaching assignments also went North of the border to Ontario, Canada where he had charges of the U-14 program and, U-21 ODP Canada Games Program and assisted at the U-15 level.
A professional player in his playing days, Coach Najjar is very familiar with the international competition. Coach Najjar is a long-time friend of MCU President, Robert Imhoff, and worked with Imhoff at two previous universities and helped start the Athletic Program at MCU.
Focused on learning and teaching, Coach Najjar has amassed numerous Coaching Licenses (Manager and Goalkeeping) and College Degrees in his quest to serve all that God has sent his way. He has the UEFA Advanced "A" License, FA "A" International License, FA Goalkeeping "A" License (Pending), FIFA Academy II, and the USSF "A" and Goalkeeping "A" Licenses. Coach Najjar also holds six Degrees.
A global man, Coach Najjar loves the versatility of communicating across several cultures and languages.
"Speak to Coach Najjar and I believe you'll discover the same three things that I have", says President Robert Imhoff – he soars with confidence, has a relentless passion for learning and education, and, lives for and loves the Lord. And, amongst many of God's impacting verses, Coach Najjar insists that he thrives to, "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God". Hannibal holds his relationship with Christ as sacred and is resolved to return to his feet with every fall, thriving to get that much closer to his Savior - he repeatedly states, "never down and out, but always up and about". Coach Najjar contests "that intentionality in serving and representing God must be foremost and places himself in the frontline with the chosen words, remaining faithful especially when no one is looking".
At MCU Coach Najjar will assist Athletic Director, Kevin Imhoff, as Director of Coaching Staff. In this role all coaches in all sports will report to Coach Najjar who has also held several college administrative positions. He will help mentor and develop systems to ensure uniformity throughout the Athletic Department.
President Imhoff commenting on Najjar said, "We are indeed blessed to have the very best coach in the country coming to MCU. This is going to be exciting for Kentucky soccer."
Athletic Director, Kevin Imhoff said of Najjar, "I am so very excited to welcome Coach Najjar to our staff. He is not only the best soccer coach around, he is a man dedicated to Christ and to the mission of Mid-Continent University."
Coach Najjar resides in St. Louis, Mo. with his wife of thirty-three years, Dr. Annette Najjar, who, along with Hannibal, teaches at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. They have four grown and successful children and dote over their two grandchildren, both to their first child and daughter. Hannibal will begin training the MCU Cougar Soccer Team and lead the coaching staff charge in mid-August as MCU continues its life-long goal to enlarge God's Kingdom. Jabez's Prayer, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain" is being heeded.