Missouri State has enlisted Kian Yari, a former standout midfielder and five-year player for the Bears’ men’s soccer team, as an assistant coach, as announced by head coach Michael Seabolt on Tuesday morning. Yari, who hails from Manchester, England, will continue his journey in Springfield following a historic playing career.
Expressing his enthusiasm for Yari’s appointment, Seabolt highlighted the player’s significant contributions on the field over the past five seasons. Yari’s tenure with the Bears, spanning from 2019 to 2023, was marked by notable achievements, including three consecutive Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championships (2020-22) and four consecutive MVC regular season titles (2019-22). Moreover, Yari played a pivotal role in leading the Bears to the NCAA Tournament each of the last five years, a feat achieved by only eight other Division I teams since 2019.
Yari, reflecting on his transition to coaching, expressed his excitement about returning to where his journey began in 2019 as a freshman. His passion for the game, whether playing, watching, or coaching, has remained steadfast. Having considered Springfield home during his time as a student-athlete, Yari eagerly anticipates shaping his future within the community.
From his inaugural season in 2019, where he earned a spot on the MVC All-Freshman Team, Yari’s success continued to soar. He garnered All-MVC first team honors thrice from 2020 to 2022, with a second team accolade in 2023. The pinnacle of his individual achievements occurred in 2021 when he was named the MVC Midfielder of the Year and a United Soccer Coaches All-American. Notably, Yari’s exceptional performance in 2021 included a career-high eight assists and significant playing time, earning him widespread recognition.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Yari’s academic endeavors also shine. He secured a spot on the MVC Scholar-Athlete first team four times and earned distinctions such as the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American and CSC Academic All-American. Seabolt commended Yari for his excellence both on and off the field, emphasizing his potential as a top-tier coach.
Yari’s impact extended beyond the realm of athletics, playing a crucial role in the Bears’ successful 2023 season, culminating in a notable 12-4-3 record and significant tournament victories. With a career total of 22 assists, ranking third in MSU history, Yari’s presence remained influential, even transitioning to an interim assistant coaching role during the team’s spring exhibition season.
Joining Seabolt’s coaching staff alongside Danny Frid and goalkeeper coach Dominic Gilespie, Yari aims to leverage his player experience in pursuit of future triumphs. His recent graduation from Missouri State, where he completed a Master’s degree in Professional Studies, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his coaching career.