Chuck Hepola was appointed as the Director of Athletics at Evangel University in January 2025, continuing serve as head coach of the Valor football program. Since returning to his alma mater in 2015, Hepola has been instrumental in revitalizing Evangel football, transforming it into a championship-caliber team.
During his first four seasons, Hepola's efforts bore fruit as the Valor secured a share of the Heart South Division title in 2017. This achievement earned him the Heart South Division Coach of the Year accolades in 2017 and 2018, while consistently keeping the Valor ranked among the top 20 teams in the nation.
In 2023, under Hepola's guidance, Evangel made its first postseason appearance since 2005, finishing the regular season with an impressive 11-0 record—their first undefeated regular season since 2001. Hepola boasts a commendable 53-31 overall record at Evangel, ranking second in all-time wins as head coach. Notably, the 2023 season was marked by a significant milestone as over 40 athletes were baptized after practice during the bye week, establishing a new annual tradition for the Valor football program.
The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw Evangel rise into the Top 10 of national polls, reaching as high as No. 6. The 2018 season was particularly remarkable, with the Valor starting 7-0 and achieving three victories against top-25 teams, including an upset over the eventual NAIA national runner-up, Benedictine.
Under Hepola's leadership, the Valor have established one of the top defensive units in the NAIA, earning the league's Defensive Player of the Year award five times. This includes standout performers such as Josh Evans, a two-time Cliff Harris Award finalist, and Andreas Moeller, who was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. Other honorees include Sam Morton in 2019 and Athanie Leeviraphan in 2022, with Bradley Myers receiving the accolade in 2023.
Hepola's players have also excelled individually, with several achieving All-American status. Notably, Evans was the first All-American under Hepola to be recognized by the Associated Press, while Moeller and Leeviraphan both received unanimous NAIA All-American honors. In 2023, four players were named All-Americans, highlighting the program's depth and talent.
In addition to on-field success, Hepola emphasizes academic excellence. Since 2016, 98 players have been named to the Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete Team, and his teams have set academic records, including 18 scholar-athletes in 2020. Academic achievements have been recognized nationally, with multiple players earning CoSIDA Academic All-America honors.
Before becoming head coach at Evangel, Hepola served in various coaching roles at multiple levels, including nine seasons at the NCAA Division I level. He spent five seasons at Nicholls State, where he was elevated to associate head coach, specializing as the special teams coordinator and coaching running backs. During his tenure, he produced six All-Southland Conference players and achieved notable victories, including an upset against an FBS team.
Hepola's coaching journey began in southwest Missouri, where he worked with high school programs, including Logan-Rogersville, Willard, and Hillcrest. He earned his bachelor's degree in Education from Evangel University in 1991 and completed his master's degree in Education from Drury University in 2002.
Chuck and his wife, Kirstin, have two children: Courtney, who played soccer at Evangel, and Chance, who played football at the university.
