CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas men's soccer program announces changes to its coaching staff, with the retirement of head coach Frank Kohlenstein. With the 38-year head coaching veteran stepping down, Director of Athletics Matt Whiting has elevated associate head coach Kyle Segebart to take over as head coach. Segebart brings over a decade of coaching experience to the helm, including the last three at Central Arkansas.
 
Kohlenstein steps down after leading Central Arkansas to three ASUN Championship matches in four years as head coach. He has been the architect of one of the most dangerous squads in the ASUN since Central Arkansas joined the league in 2021. Over his time in Conway, he has developed over a dozen All-Conference performers, including several All-Region caliber players.
 
Segebart joined the Bears in 2022 after a five-year stint as an assistant at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. There, he helped the Vikings to a Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship in 2019 and a sixth seed in the Region 4 NCAA Tournament. He also brings coaching experience from Dayton, Saginaw Valley State, Franklin College and the Ole Football Academy/Island Bay United in Wellington, New Zealand.
 
Since being added to Central Arkansas's staff, Segebart and the Bears have won 18 matches, including a 10-6-6 showing in ASUN matches. Under Segebart's tutelage, Central Arkansas has advanced to two ASUN Championship matches, and competed in non-conference games with some of the best teams in the country, including a 0-0 draw at No. 7 Florida International during the 2023 season and a 0-0 draw against perennial top-25 Portland in 2022. In addition to the team success, Segebart has also guided the Bears to 13 postseason honors, including five from this past season, three of which were First Team All-ASUN members.
 
From Athletic Director Matt Whiting:
"Frank's career as a college soccer coach spans 40-plus years and the impact he has had on young people is immeasurable. I know this is a difficult decision for Frank, but I am happy for him and know that he is leaving the program in a good place. I appreciate all that he has done for Central Arkansas Athletics as head men's soccer coach, and wish him and Deb nothing but the best in this next chapter.
 
"I am excited to promote Kyle to head coach of our men's soccer program. As an assistant, Kyle has worked tirelessly to help elevate our program and has been instrumental in our success. I appreciate Kyle's willingness to take on this leadership role, and look forward to working with and watching him guide our men's soccer program in the years to come."
 
From Coach Frank Kohlenstein:
"I am very pleased with my time at UCA and special thanks to Dr. Teague, Dr. Davis and Matt Whiting for their support! Thank you to Ross Duncan for bringing me in eight seasons ago to help him. Ross moved the program forward and we just wanted to continue that ascendency. I really appreciate all of the student athletes I got to work with in my four years as the coach here, it was a true joy! My fellow staff members always made me and the program better! I also have to acknowledge how much better Daja made my time as a head coach more enjoyable! Finally, this opportunity does not happen without the support of my wife! This adventure would not have happened without her and it is a joy that it did!
 
"Kyle is a great choice by Matt and Dr. Davis to continue the program to even greater success going forward. Kyle has been integral to the program's success and will have it moving in a great direction! Thanks to my fellow coaches at UCA and the Conway Community for embracing us in our time together."
 
From Coach Kyle Segebart:
"I would like to thank our Athletic Director, Matt Whiting, for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this team and program into the future. I believe we can do great things at UCA and we are already working on building on our success this past season.
 
"I can't say enough about Frank. I have been fortunate enough to call Frank a friend, a colleague and boss over the time we have known each other. His contributions to this team, this university, and to the game over his illustrious career can't be overstated. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!
 
"Moving forward, our attitude as a program will be a relentless pursuit of improvement. The college athletic landscape is changing and we have to evolve with it. However, the backbone of the college athletics experience will continue to be about growth. Our program attracts young men from all over the world and it is my responsibility to lead that group and to guide them to become men capable of leading themselves, their families, and their future communities."