The winningest coach in the illustrious history of the Gustavus men’s soccer program, Larry Zelenz led the Gusties to an overall record of 280-114-44 and a winning percentage of 68.9 from 1986 to 2009. An intense competitor, who built his teams around a tough defensive mentality, Zelenz directed the Gusties to seven Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) titles (1993, 1994, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) and eight National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) National Tournament appearances (1993, 1994, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) during his 24-year tenure. He was named the 2006 NCAA National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III National Coach of the Year for his efforts in guiding Gustavus to a 17-3-5 mark and a trip to the NCAA Championship game. Zelenz was also named the NSCAA Division III West Region Coach of the Year in 1993, 2004 and 2005 and MIAC Coach of the Year in 1994, 2000 and 2003. He coached 36 players who earned a total of 62 All-Conference certificates (including four who garnered MIAC Player of the Year honors), and six players who received NSCAA All-America honors (including this year’s Hall of Fame inductee Scott Crowell).
In addition to his coaching expertise, Zelenz played a significant role in the success of the Gustavus Athletic Department. In his position as the assistant athletic director he served on the Athletic Administrative Council as the College’s compliance officer to the MIAC and the NCAA. Zelenz also grew Gustavus’s intramural and club programs to involve nearly 80 percent of the student body.
Zelenz earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and religion from DePauw University in 1978. He then earned his master’s degree in teaching physical education from DePauw in 1980. Larry currently resides in Ely, Minnesota where he works seasonally for a canoe outfitter serving travelers into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. His daughter, Anna, and her husband, Adam, live in Seattle, Washington.
