Bio

Commissioner Chris Roekle begins his sixth year leading the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C), where he has built a strong record of success and growth. Under his leadership, the conference has secured five national championships and ensured membership growth and stability. Roekle oversees an innovative group of NCAA Division III institutions spanning the continental United States, emphasizing unique, destination-based championships.

Nationally, Roekle serves as Chair of the NCAA Division III Membership Committee, where he leads a group that addresses issues related to membership, including oversight of provisional and reclassifying members, sports-sponsorship compliance, and educational programs on NCAA legislation. He is an active member of the Division III Commissioners Association, sitting on its Executive Committee and Strategic Initiatives Grant Committee, and previously contributed to its Championships Committee.

Responsibilities

Roekle's key responsibilities include:

• Pursuing membership opportunities and innovative solutions for conference needs.
• Overseeing continuous improvement in response to the C2C's unique organizational structure.
• Managing the conference office budget.
• Optimizing championship policies and operations.
• Building and maintaining relationships among conference stakeholders.
• Advising the Athletic Council on NCAA compliance matters.
• Recruiting and onboarding new conference members.

Notable Achievements

• Transitioned the conference from the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) to the innovative C2C model.
• Led a comprehensive rebranding effort, including a new name, logo, and promotional campaigns.
• Created a seminar series for student-athletes and coaches, focusing on mental health and diversity initiatives.
• Recruited and onboarded new member Warren Wilson College, guiding them through the NCAA Division III membership process.
• Added and implemented Regent University and Johnson & Wales University Charlotte during the 2024-25 calendar year. 
• Recruited and successfully welcomed Alverno College to the league beginning in 2026-27.
• Served as Tournament Director alongside host institution Christopher Newport University for the 2025 NCAA Division III Women's Golf Championship at Kingsmill Resort & Spa. 

Roekle also directs two single-sport leagues: Coastal Lacrosse Conference (men’s lacrosse), Colonial Women's Golf Conference (women's golf). 

Since joining the C2C (then CAC) in 2018 as Associate Commissioner, Roekle has played a pivotal role in daily operations and enhanced promotional and communication efforts. Previously, he served five years with the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC, NCAA Division II) as Associate Commissioner for Championships and External Relations. During his tenure, he:

• Spearheaded branding efforts, introducing new league badges and logos.
• Quadrupled the conference’s social media following by implementing innovative graphic design and strategies.
• Coordinated championship logistics and ensured consistency in operations.
• Organized awards distribution for GLIAC-sponsored sports.
• Oversaw sports such as women’s soccer, cross country, track and field, and golf.
• Served on the NCAA Regional Advisory Committee for Men’s Golf.

In addition to his work at GLIAC, Roekle was hired multiple times as NCAA Division II Social Media Coordinator for various championships, establishing the GLIAC as a leader in social media innovation.

Roekle began his career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a Graduate Communications Intern, where he coordinated communication efforts for the 2013 Big Ten Champion women’s soccer team. He also served as Media Coordinator for the 2014 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Regional.

He started in athletics as a member of the Athletic Media Relations Office at his alma mater, Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). A native of Saginaw, Mich., Roekle earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting in 2009 and a master’s degree in business administration from SVSU in 2013.

Chris and his wife Erin reside in Florida with their daughter Hannah and cat Hadley. 

CAREER TIMELINE

July 2020 - Present
Commissioner - Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference (D3), formerly Capital Athletic Conference

Nov. 2018 - June 2020
Associate Commissioner - Capital Athletic Conference (D3), now Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference

June 2014 - Nov. 2018
Associate Commissioner - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (D2)

July 2013 - May 2014
Athletics Communications Assistant - University of Nebraska Lincoln (D1)

Aug. 2011 - May 2013
Athletic Communications Assistant - Saginaw Valley State University (D2)