From Player To Coach

Christopher Kraus ’06 made his first visit to the campus of Stonehill on a snowy January weekend in 2002. 

The point guard from Canada was on an official men's basketball recruiting trip, and more than two decades later, Kraus can still recall the details. He was hosted by guard Dezmond Morgan ’05 and watched the Patriots' memorable Tuck Rule game against the Oakland Raiders on a big screen in the Sports Complex.

That weekend led to Kraus playing four seasons for Stonehill, helping the Skyhawks reach their first NCAA Division II Final Four. He then became an assistant coach at Stonehill for three seasons before being named the program's 14th head coach in 2013.

Kraus began his 10th season in that role in November, the second year for Stonehill in the Division I Northeast Conference. It has been quite the journey for the native of Markham, Ontario. 

"There was no chance to envision this. I look back at times and talk to my wife, Ashley [Todd ’06], and say the path I went on, it was meant to be. I'm very fortunate and grateful," said Kraus.

"I'm a faith-driven person. I chose Stonehill for a reason back then, and to be where I'm at now is a story that I'm appreciative, thankful and proud to be part of.''

The only former Stonehill player to become head coach of the men's basketball program, Kraus has an advantage when it comes to recruiting his prospective players. "It allows me to speak to our players and recruits about a day in the life here,'' said Kraus, the Northeast Conference Jim Phelan Coach of the Year last season. "I can relate and explain the ins and outs.''

Kraus has taken part in 464 of Stonehill's 1,927 total games and has a 144-116 record in nine seasons. Stonehill finished second (10-6) in the Northeast Conference, tying for second place with Fairleigh Dickinson (FDU), which made the NCAA Division I tournament and shocked No. 1 seed Purdue.

"It's been really challenging. It's been very exciting,'' said Kraus of the move to DI. "Ultimately for us, the goal is to win the NEC and to be in March Madness. To see FDU last year go and do what they did—beat Purdue and be on a world stage—we split with them and were good enough to beat that team. That's something we're working towards every day.''

The current season, Stonehill's 75th, includes games against Kentucky, Miami, Rutgers and St. Joseph's. "I love Stonehill,'' said Kraus. "I love our alums, our players, the community. I love being here, and the 75th anniversary of the school and program, it’s special.”