Berkeley College Coach Emeritus Chris Christiansen Named to USCAA Hall of Fame
Monday, July 24, 2023
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Photo Caption: The United States Collegiate Athletic Association has named Chris Christiansen, Head Coach Emeritus of the Berkeley College New York Men’s Basketball team, among its 2022-2023 Hall of Fame inductees.
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The United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) has named Chris Christiansen, Head Coach Emeritus of the Berkeley College New York Men’s Basketball team, among its 2022-2023 Hall of Fame inductees. During his 22-year tenure as Head Coach, Christiansen led the Knights to seven consecutive appearances in the USCAA Division II National Basketball Tournament, as well as nine regional championships. Christiansen previously lived in New York City and currently resides in Gansevoort, NY.
The USCAA inducted two former student-athletes and three coaches at its 5th Annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies on June 11, 2023, in Winston-Salem, NC.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to honor this year’s inductees,” said BJ Bertges, Chief Operating Officer, USCAA. “This ceremony not only recognizes and celebrates our inductees but serves as a reminder of where the Association has grown from and those who have made significant contributions along the way. In many ways, it serves as our motivation to continue to provide opportunities for our members and student-athletes to succeed at the highest level.”
Christiansen founded the Berkeley College Men’s Basketball program in the mid-1990s, and also served as a Professor in the Management Department of the Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business® for 25 years.
“I loved teaching and basketball and always wore a smile,” Christiansen said. “I especially enjoyed working with students to assist them in their journeys toward successful careers. I owe much of my credit to my colleagues and assistant coaches who helped me pave the way to consistent motivation and success.”
Christiansen led the Knights to Berkeley College’s first National crown in 2014-2015 campaign, when the Knights won 11 consecutive contests to close the season. The following season, Christiansen coached Berkeley College to a 24-1 mark and another National title. In his final season, he was named the USCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year, as he paced the Knights to an unblemished 29-0 record and a third consecutive USCAA title.
During his tenure, he guided the Knights to nine Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (HVIAC) Championships. Christiansen holds a career record of 203-74.
Jonathan Pena, the current Head Coach of the Berkeley College Men’s Basketball team, was a student-athlete on Christiansen’s team from 2006 to 2009, when the Knights won two conference titles. Pena went on to coach with Christiansen from 2009 to 2018, during which the team won four national championships.
“Coach Christiansen was a guiding force for his players, both on the court and in the classroom,” said Pena. “While winning was the goal, he taught us that focus, resilience, and teamwork made true champions, as these were principles that will yield great success in life. His lessons have had a profound impact on me as a coach, father, and husband, and our Berkeley College Knights continue to live his legacy of team-first basketball.”
Read More: Click here to read more about the USCAA Hall of Fame inductees.
Photo Caption: During his 22-year tenure as Head Coach, Chris Christiansen led the Knights to seven consecutive appearances in the USCAA Division II National Basketball Tournament, as well as nine regional championships.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,600 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for 10 consecutive years. U.S. News & World Report named Berkeley College (NJ) one of the Best Regional Colleges in the North in its 2023 edition of the Best Colleges Survey. Berkeley College (NJ) was recognized among the Best Colleges in the region for social mobility for three consecutive years. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
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