It took Coach Melvin Belong two seasons to bring Bethel University its first National Championship in any sport, and along with it -- instant national recognition. Coach Belong is entering his fifth season as the Men's Soccer Coach at Bethel University. In his first season, the team finished with a 10-8-1 record, and in his second season, the team went on to achieve the monumental accomplishment of winning the university's first ever national championship. The team finished with a record of 17-5-2. During this run, Bethel did not allow a goal for six straight matches and ended the year on a 14 match unbeaten streak. 

The 2008 season was a truly historical season for the men's soccer program and for Bethel. Followed by the highest ranking the school has ever experienced as the number one team in the nation, Coach Belong also mentored the National Tournament MVP, Mario Vila Boa, the All Tournament Team and Second Team All-American, Felix Obilo, and Honorable Mention All-American, Massimo Collu-marchese. 

As the architect of one of the most improbable runs to the 2008 National Championship title, Coach Belong was named NAIA BRINE National Men's Soccer Coach of the Year. Coach Belong was also named NSCAA Adidas NAIA Men's Soccer Coach of the Year and NSCAA Adidas Mid-South Regional Coach of the Year. Coach Belong was also honored with another special award preceding the season; he was selected as Coach of the Year by the University for the 2008-2009 season.

Prior to taking over the reign as the Men's Soccer Coach, Belong spent five years as an assistant coach with the Bethel University Lady Wildcat Soccer Program, In his five seasons with the Lady Wildcats, he helped the team qualify for the NAIA National Tournament for three consecutive years: in 2003, 2004, and 2005 with an "Elite Eight" finish in 2004. As the recruiting coordinator, Coach Belong recruited two honorable mention All- Americans in Alicia James and all time goal scorer for the women's program, Leah O'Grady. During the 2003 season, under Coach Belongs tutelage, Patience Opara, became the first athlete in schools history to earn the title of First Team All-American. Over the five year period, the team compiled an overall record of 86-20-5.

Before joining the Lady Wildcat soccer program, Coach Belong worked as an assistant at Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky., helping direct their 2000 men's soccer team to the NAIA Region XII finals.

Coach Belong resides in McKenzie, TN with his wife, Carol, and two sons, Melvin, Jr. and Melic.