BALTIMORE- Notre Dame of Maryland University and the NDMU Athletic Department are pleased to announce Chris Humphrey has been hired as the department's Cross Country head coach. Humphrey is the third head coach in program history.
 
Humphrey has led the Edmund Burke High School Cross Country program in Washington, D.C. since July of 2021. During his time at the program, he helped both the men's and women's cross country program build larger rosters, while seeing the athletes steadily improve their individual times.
 
Taking over a new program comes with a wide array of challenges, and Humphrey's knows where he wants to start. 
 
"Recruiting is going to be one of the first things I tackle," said Humphrey. "Trying to build a young program is going to a lot of hard work and persistent, but I am excited for the challenge."
 
In addition to his coaching experience, Humphrey has a military background having been a part of the Army National Guard as an Intelligence Analyst. He was deployed to Iraq in 2018. Humphrey currently works as a Counternarcotics Analyst for the U.S. Government. 
 
Humphrey strong believes that developing a great culture is going to key to building a successful program. 
 
"Family first, that's the type of program I would like to build," explained Humphrey.  "It is going to be essential to build a culture that student-athletes buy into. By creating that type of environment, it gives room for everyone in the program to grow including myself."
 
The student-athletes in the cross country program can expect coach that is passionate and detail-oriented. 
 
"I believe in giving 100% every day in everything that I do," said Humphrey. "I want all of student-athletes to know that I am always there for them. I want to be engaged in the campus community alongside my athletes."
 
Dr. Ashley Hodges, Director of Athletics and Wellness said the department was excited to have someone that is passionate about running join the program.
 
"Upon meeting Chris, I could see his genuine passion for running," said Dr. Hodges. "His desire to help our student-athletes reach their full potential paired with his military experience made him our top candidate. I believe that his military background can help instill the discipline our student-athletes need to reach their full potential."
 
Humphrey graduated from Cochise College in 2022 with a degree in Intelligence Operations. In addition, he earned a Certificate in Intelligence Analysis from the Army Military Intelligence School.