Indiana Wesleyan University

Chris Karlin – Men’s & Women's Bowling – 3rd Season

Coach Chris Karlin is the Head Men's and Women's Bowling Coach at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he leads a rapidly growing program built on competitive excellence, faith development, academic success, and servant leadership. Entering his third season at Indiana Wesleyan, Coach Karlin has helped elevate the Wildcats into one of the emerging collegiate bowling programs in the NAIA and the Crossroads League.

A lifelong student of the sport, Karlin bowled collegiately for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and has remained active in competitive bowling throughout his coaching career. In 2025, he gained national recognition by leading the Regular Singles division at the 2025 USBC Open Championships with a remarkable 789 series, one of the premier accomplishments in amateur bowling. Karlin finished the 2025 USBC Open Championship in 4th place. 

Program Highlights Under Coach Karlin
Since taking over the Indiana Wesleyan Bowling program in 2024, Coach Karlin has overseen significant growth and success:

• Guided both the men's and women's programs to postseason competition and qualification for the USBC Intercollegiate Team Sectionals 2024-25 season. 
• Helped the program grow to nearly 40 student-athletes across the men's and women's teams. 
• Led the men's team to a national NAIA ranking inside the Top 25. 
• Coached multiple All-Crossroads League performers and award winners. 
• Developed Crossroads League Newcomer of the Year Devon Kiessling during the 2024-25 season. 
• Guided the program to its strongest conference and postseason performances since the program's inception. 

Coaching Honors
Coach Karlin's impact was recognized across the conference during the 2025-26 season when he was named the Crossroads League Men's Bowling Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to one of the most successful seasons in program history. Under his leadership, Indiana Wesleyan earned four men's All-League honors, including First Team, Second Team, and All-Freshman Team selections.

Coaching Philosophy
Coach Karlin believes collegiate athletics provide an opportunity to develop the whole person—athletically, academically, spiritually, and personally.
"Our goal is to develop champions on the lanes, in the classroom, and in life. Success is measured not only by wins and championships, but by the character, faith, and leadership our student-athletes demonstrate every day."
Through a Christ-centered approach, he challenges student-athletes to pursue excellence, build meaningful relationships, serve others, and represent Indiana Wesleyan University with integrity.

Recruiting Vision
Coach Karlin seeks student-athletes who:

• Desire to compete at a high collegiate level 
• Demonstrate strong character and work ethic 
• Value academic achievement 
• Embrace a Christ-centered environment 
• Want to leave a lasting legacy within a growing program 
• Are committed to personal growth both on and off the lanes 

Under Coach Karlin's leadership, Indiana Wesleyan Bowling continues to pursue national-level success while remaining committed to the university's mission of developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership.
"Building champions through faith, excellence, and opportunity." ??????

EDUCATION:

• University of Wisconsin Green Bay - Bachelors in Communication [2009]

COACHING EXPERIENCE:

• Indiana Wesleyan University (NAIA), Head Coach [2024-Present]
• Huntington University (NAIA), Assistant Coach [2023-2024]
• LaPorte High School, Varsity Girls Head Coach [2019-2021]
• Manitowoc Lincoln High School, Assistant Coach [2009-2011]
• Green Bay Southwest High School, Assistant Coach [2006-2009]

AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

• As a Coach:
  • 4: All-Crossroads League Bowlers at IWU
  • Coached 4 All-Crossroads League Second Team Bowlers at Huntington University
  • Coached First Team All-Conference Bowler at LaPorte High School
  • Coached Girls Semi-State Singles Qualifier at LaPorte High School
• As a Player:
  • Bowled 3 years at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

PERSONAL INFORMATION

• Karlin is a native of Manitowoc, WI and attended Manitowoc Lincoln High School. He and his wife, Brianne, have three kids named Nathanael, Esther and Miriam.