By Lex Ogilvie/NPSL.com
Bristol Rhythm AFC head coach Dave Neijenhuis arrived in the United States six years ago to continue both his education and his soccer career. Now, after leading Bristol Rhythm AFC to an unbeaten season and being named the 2026 NPSL Coach of the Season, Neijenhuis is leading his team to the semifinals.
The recognition comes during Neijenhuis’ first season as a head coach for Bristol Rhythm, making the achievement even more meaningful. While the award recognizes Neijenhuis individually, he views it as a reflection of what Bristol Rhythm AFC has accomplished as a club.
“It’s crazy how quick it can go,” he said. “This was my first big-time head coach job. Of course, with my high school teams and youth teams, putting in a lot of standards in place but also putting a lot of energy and time into it. It really paid off this year…And it is a big accomplishment for me, but also I think it’s very big recognition for the club, with me being named Coach of the Year in a way, getting individual prizes, so I think it is a big recognition for soccer in Tennessee.”
Originally from the Netherlands, Neijenhuis came to the United States, earning his bachelor’s degree at Tennessee Wesleyan University before continuing his career and completing his master’s degree at East Tennessee State University. Throughout his time in East Tennessee, he also coached youth and high school soccer, eventually joining Tusculum University as an assistant coach.
His connection with Bristol Rhythm AFC actually began as an opponent. The connection has even become a running joke within the team.
“While I was playing, I played against Bristol Rhythm in their first year,” Neijenhuis said. “They actually tried a couple of times to convince me to come, and I didn’t take the opportunity. Then we circled back, and that’s how I got the coaching opportunity. We still joke about it on the bus because I even scored against Bristol Rhythm when I was a defender. Normally that doesn’t happen very often.”
The transition from player to coach has also shaped the way Neijenhuis manages his team. Building relationships became a priority from the first day. Neijenhuis emphasized team bonding from the start.
“I really understand the players’ perspective,” he said. “I try to give them days off when they need them, and I also make sure there are fun things involved because those are important as a player…We did a lot of team bonding activities. Everyone needed to be around the boys because I knew that could change everything. It’s such a short season, so things need to happen quickly.”
The investment has paid dividends. Bristol Rhythm AFC enters the NPSL National Semifinals unbeaten, a run Neijenhuis admits has surpassed even the team’s own expectations.
“At the beginning of the season, we said maybe we can win the first five games, and then we’ll see step by step how far we get,” he said. “Every game, that streak got extended. Hopefully we can extend it to the national final.”
Throughout the season, Neijenhuis said one word can define Bristol Rhythm AFC’s team mentality and success.
“Belief,” he said. “We never stop believing. There were two or three games where everyone wrote us off, but we found a way to succeed. Even when we were down 2-1 with 10 minutes to play in the semifinal, I was already getting texts saying, ‘Good season, head up.’ But I knew we’d find a way, and we did.”
Now, Bristol Rhythm AFC turns its attention to Saturday’s match against New Haven United FC with a chance to move one step closer to the finals while reflecting on their successful season so far.
“I think the game changer was at home against Greenville,” Neijenhuis said. “We had everything against us…but I knew if we kept playing and kept doing our thing, we’d find a way. When we scored that winner so late, I think the boys really started believing we could do something special…I don’t think we’re afraid of anyone. I think we’re our biggest opponent. As long as we beat that one, I think we’ll be fine.”
For Neijenhuis, the opportunity extends beyond winning another match. It extends to Tennessee, where Neijenhuis feels very much at home.
“I think we can make a big statement for Bristol, Tennessee,” he said. “I mean, the crazy part is, with us being number one in the nation, is that if you win on Saturday, you are hosting a national final. Hopefully, we can also promote the sport in the area and get more kids to play. That’s the goal.”
Photo Credit: Austin Pantaleo/Bristol Rhythm AFC
