Chris Apple, men's soccer head coach at the University of Rochester, was awarded the Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award from the University earlier this month, as a part of the annual President's Staff Awards.
 
The award recognizes individuals who are exemplary role models and demonstrate innovative and proactive leadership across the University landscape.
 
On the sidelines, Apple has had a decorated career so far, coaching the Yellowjackets to a 243-76-56 (.723) record and 14 NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. His overall coaching record after adding in three seasons at other institutions includes 262 wins, 104 losses and 59 ties (.686).
 
Throughout his UR career, Apple has coached 11 All-Americans, 10 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans along with several All-Region and All-Conference and All-Academic individuals. He has guided Rochester to five University Athletic Association titles and was named the conference Coaching Staff of the Year on six occasions.
 
In support of his leadership qualities at the University, field hockey head coach Wendy Andreatta writes, "Coach Apple is not simply a 'soccer coach' at the University of Rochester. In his 21 years as a coach and educator, he has become part of the fabric of the University. Chris has inspired so many students and colleagues through his teaching mentorship, coaching and campus involvement."
 
In addition to his duties leading the men's soccer program, Apple regularly serves as a mentor to other coaches and staff in the department of Athletics and Recreation, helping those individuals navigate and understand the intricacies of coaching and working in collegiate athletics. He also started a monthly forum for coaches to discuss various topics such as practice preparation, game planning, recruitment, professional development and student mentorship.
 
Apple also has served as a member of the Genesee Staff Council at the University. He even takes his leadership into the classroom, teaching the student-athlete lab section for the Leadership Experience (CAS 358), a college course which is aimed at preparing leaders from varsity athletics, student organizations and fraternities and sororities for future leadership roles.
 
In a supporting letter for Apple's nomination for the award, Michael Peacock '10, writes of his former coach: "It is truly amazing to think how much impact one person may have on your life and even more impressive when realizing the lasting effects of these lessons extend well beyond the time they were initially experienced. Coach helped me develop my work ethic, my grit, my desires to improve and succeed, and my leadership to help others develop the same."