Matthew Gerlach led the Hesston College men’s soccer program as head coach from 2016 to 2021. He brought in one of the largest recruiting classes in Lark soccer history - 18 freshmen - his first year at the helm. Continual improvement saw the Larks finish the 2017 season with the most wins in 11 years.

Gerlach has extensive experience both as a player and coach from youth leagues through collegiate programs. As a player, he was a four-year starter at NAIA competitor Huntington (Ind.) University, as well as team captain during his senior year. After his time as a player, he joined the coaching staff at Huntington. After three years on the staff, Gerlach moved his family to Florida for a full-time church-outreach job. He continued working as a coach as his passion led him to coach at a local high school. There he was able to take the Rutherford High School women’s program from a winless squad to the district finals.

Gerlach earned a bachelor of science in recreation and sports ministry from Huntington University, and finished his master of science in recreation and sports sciences from Ohio University (Athens). He also has a national diploma from the United Soccer Coaches (Kansas City, Kan.).