McKaig named new head coach for U of L men’s soccer program

By Lethbridge Herald on February 13, 2025.

Herald photo by JUSTIN SEWARD Chris McKaig was named the new coach of the U of L menÕs soccer program on Thursday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The University of Lethbridge Men’s Soccer Program officially introduced Chris McKaig as their new head coach on Thursday.

McKaig brings 12 plus years of coaching experience with him from the university and professional ranks to U of L.

McKaig was a lead assistant coach with the University of Calgary Dinos , a coach with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and UNBC and coached Team Alberta  to a gold medal in 2019 Canada Summer Games.

“For a long time, I’ve known about this program and they punch well above their weight, they have such a good community feel to it, they are extremely hard working and I felt that this was a foundation that I could build on,” said McKaig.

McKaig spoke about how he was going to build off the foundation that was set by previous coach, Vikram Virk.

“So the foundations there are fantastic,” said McKaig.

“I know that they were very hard to play against, they made this a fortress down here, and we’ll be building that again.”

McKaig said Vikram did a really good job creating that.

“The players bought into his style of play and I admired it from a distance, so I’m excited to take it on from here,” he said.

McKaig brings a hard working style of coaching.

“I like to play a fast, aggressive brand of soccer,” said McKaig.

McKaig didn’t anticipate becoming a Canada West head coach this quickly.

“I feel well prepared,” said McKaig.

He has served in roles such as a video analyst, individual and assistant coach and an opposition scout to prepare himself.

“Chris brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His leadership, commitment to player development and ability to create a strong team culture align perfectly with our vision for Pronghorn Men’s Soccer. We’re confident that under Chris’s guidance, our program will continue to grow and succeed within Canada West,” said Spencer Pommells, Athletic Director for Pronghorn Athletics in a release.

 “What excites me most about Chris’s leadership is his focus on the players’ development both on and off the field. His values align perfectly with the ethos we strive for at the University of Lethbridge and I’m excited to see how he leads this program to new heights.”