NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Captains Coaches Corner, a discussion featuring Christopher Newport fall coaches, continues with Men's Soccer Head Coach Justin Chezem. A staple on the sidelines of the program for over a decade, Chezem was named the seventh head coach in men's soccer history before the 2019 season, and led the Captains to a 14-2-5 record in his first year at the helm. His inaugural squad advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. 

During his 12 seasons as an assistant coach under Steve Shaw, Chezem helped Christopher Newport post over 200 wins with eight NCAA Tournament appearances. Chezem has been directly involved with the CNU men's soccer program for 17 years as both a player and an assistant coach. He was on staff as the Captains grew to a national power, including  the first team in CNU Athletics history to garner a number one national ranking in 2009. Christopher Newport reached the NCAA Tournament eight times during his tenure under Shaw, including three trips to the National Quarterfinals, and won five conference championships. 

The Captains averaged 15 wins per season while Chezem was an assistant coach. In addition to the success on the field, Chezem helped grow the team's involvement in the community through camps and clinics while working to expand the Captains' alumni base. In 2018, he spearheaded a fundraising effort on CNU Day that netted the soccer program over $30,000. 

Chezem holds a USSF 'B' coaching license and the United Soccer Coaches Premier coaching license. Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Chezem was a four-year player for head coach Steve Shaw from 2001-04. During that time, he helped the Captains post a combined 48-25-6 record. On an individual level, he was a first team All-Conference pick in 2003 and 2004. Additionally, he was named to the USA South All-Tournament team for his efforts in the postseason during the 2004 campaign.

Chezem graduated with a degree in Business Marketing in 2005 and has also coached locally at Warwick High School. He and his wife Elizabeth have a son, Tucker, and currently reside in Newport News.