Wisconsin announces Chris Solinsky as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country

MADISON, Wis. – After an extensive national search, Wisconsin Athletics announced Chris Solinsky as its new Director of Track & Field and Cross Country on Thursday.

A Badger Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated athletes in Wisconsin history, Solinsky brings more than 13 years of coaching experience and a resume that includes successful stints at Oregon, Florida and William & Mary. He most recently served as Executive Director of the W Club at Wisconsin.

"Chris understands the culture, expectations, and commitment essential to succeeding as a Badger," said Wisconsin Interim Director of Athletics Marcus Sedberry. "His coaching journey, along with his experience as a student-athlete, has helped shape him into a championship-caliber leader who is gifted in recruiting, developing talent, building culture and competing at the highest levels."

The former American record holder in the 10,000 meters, Solinsky spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the men's and women's programs at Oregon (2023-25). During his time, the Ducks claimed a trio of Big Ten cross country titles and a pair of top-five finishes at the NCAA championship. Solinsky also helped Oregon claim four conference track titles and the 2025 NCAA Women's Indoor Track Championship en route to winning the 2025 Terry Crawford NCAA Division I Women's Program of the Year award.

Prior to his time in Eugene, Oregon, Solinsky spent five seasons (2018-22) as an assistant coach with the men's and women's track & field and cross country programs at the University of Florida. His tenure with the Gators included four SEC titles and five national championships.

On an individual level, Solinsky played a pivotal role in helping Oregon's Matthew Erickson win the 2025 NCAA Indoor Championship in the 800 and Florida's Parker Valby claim national runner-up honors at both the 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championship and the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Championship in the 5,000 meters.

Solinsky also spent three seasons at William & Mary (2014-17), including one as head coach of the men's cross country team. He also served as a volunteer assistant with the University of Portland over the final three years of his professional running career (2012-14).

"I want to thank Dr. Marcus Sedberry and the rest of the search committee for entrusting me with the future of this amazing program," Solinsky said. "It has long been a dream of mine to be right here in this moment. Wisconsin and this program mean a great deal to me and I do not take lightly the responsibility I have to take the baton into the future. I am thankful to my wife, Amy, for being the heavy lifter and the rock of our family, I would not be able to do what I do without her! I am thankful for our kids Ayla, Archer, and Easton and their willingness to adapt through this journey of ours. I appreciate all the coaches and student-athletes I have worked with along the way that have shaped me as a coach and person and I cannot wait to get started!!  Go Badgers, On, Wisconsin!"

As a student-athlete at Wisconsin, Solinsky earned five NCAA championships, four Big Ten titles, and 14 All‑American honors, helping lead Wisconsin to the 2005 Cross Country National Championship and the 2007 NCAA Indoor Track national title.

Solinsky succeeds legendary Wisconsin coach Mick Byrne, who will complete his decorated career at the conclusion of the 2026 outdoor track & field season. Byrne is the winningest coach in Big Ten men's cross country history with 14 conference championships.

A native of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Solinsky is married to Amy Dahlin, a former Badger track and field student-athlete. Their family resides in Waunakee.

He will officially begin his duties on June 8, 2026.

What They're Saying About Solinsky:
"Chris fully embodies what it means to be a Wisconsin Badger and that is the essential quality needed to take the baton from the greats who came before him and lead our program into the future. With compassion, integrity and resolve, I know Chris will guide the next generation of Badger student-athletes to greatness both on and off the track, continuing to build on the historic legacy of Wisconsin Track & Field."
- Simon Bairu, former teammate and UW Athletic Hall of Famer

"As a historic former Badger, Chris bleeds Wisconsin Red. As an athlete, Chris was able to put together one of the best men's American collegiate distance careers in the history of the NCAA. Chris was the standard for success as a student athlete. After his time as an athlete, Chris has gone on to become a household name as an NCAA distance coach known for developing solid high schoolers into world class athletes from events ranging 800-10,000m.
Chris played a pivotal part in turning me from a subpar middle distance runner with a 1:48.6 800pb into an NCAA champ. Chris' ability to connect with athletes on a personal level, adjust training based on specific needs, and apply his decades of knowledge in athletics to the collegiate coaching realm makes him one of the best coaches currently in the NCAA, if not the world. In my opinion, Chris is the best coach at taking solid American high schoolers and transforming them into a team of NCAA championship contenders.
I have no doubt that Chris will be able to turn the Badgers into a national track and field powerhouse, all while continuing the traditions of the Wisconsin Badgers."
- Matti Erickson, former Oregon student-athlete

"I am extremely happy for and proud of Chris as he embarks on his new journey. Wisconsin has a very deep history of excellence in their Track and Field and Cross Country programs. Chris understands the standard of the programs and he lives by those standards everyday. Very excited to watch him lead the program to new heights."
- Mike Holloway, Florida Head Coach, Track & Field

"Chris Solinsky has always been one of the hardest-working and most driven coaches and his passion for developing student-athletes is unmatched. I'm incredibly excited to see him return to his alma mater as the Director of Track & Field at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and I can't wait to watch the impact he'll make as he leads the program into its next chapter."
- Nic Peterson, Florida Associate Head Coach, Track & Field

"Chris and Wisconsin are synonymous. I am willing to bet that Chris would describe this position as his dream job! I can't think of a better leader for the Badgers. He brings invaluable experience, but most importantly an undeniable love for his Badger family! Congratulations on a fantastic hire! We are so proud of him!"
- Shalane Flanagan, Oregon Assistant Coach, Track & Field

University of Wisconsin Athletics

Wisconsin announces Chris Solinsky as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country

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