Christel House Alumni return to inspire the next generation of student–athletes. (L-R) Benjamin Lehman, Jeanna Eddleman, Madison Stahl, and Allan Rendon.
Christel House Indianapolis alumni are giving back to their school community in a big way—by returning as coaches to guide the next generation of student-athletes. From soccer and volleyball to girls flag football, these former students have stepped into leadership roles, embracing the challenge of coaching and mentoring young athletes. Their stories highlight the deep connections they formed at Christel House and their commitment to helping the next wave of students succeed, both on and off the field.
Allan Rendon, a former Christel House soccer goalkeeper, was recruited as an assistant coach by his high school coach, Keith Stewart. “I started getting the hang of it,” Allan shares. “It was really fun seeing the other side—not just being a player but being a coach and experiencing the stressful and happy moments from a different perspective.” While coaching, Allan pursued a welding career at Ivy Tech, thanks to a scholarship facilitated by the College & Careers program. Now, he’s exploring opportunities in HVAC while continuing to support the soccer team.
For Nathaniel Lucas, coaching the new Christel House Girls Flag Football team was an unexpected but rewarding opportunity. A recent 2024 graduate and former quarterback of the CH Indianapolis football team, Nathaniel took on the challenge of leading a team of girls who had never played before. “I didn’t know what to expect going in,” he admits. “But being able to stay around the sport I love and watching the team come together was really rewarding.” Now working full-time as an electrical apprentice at IU Methodist Hospital, he plans to return next season to coach again.
Benjamin Lehman, a 2022 graduate and current sports marketing major at Indiana University Indianapolis, knew coaching was in his future. Now serving as the Head JV Soccer Coach and assistant coach for the varsity team, Benjamin enjoys the competitive spirit coaching brings. Fellow 2022 graduate Madison Stahl also stepped into a coaching role, leading the middle school volleyball team. “I had the same volleyball coach throughout my time at Christel House,” she recalls. “Now, implementing those same teachings and techniques as a coach has been an incredible full-circle experience.”
Jeanna Eddleman, another Christel House alum, found herself coaching boys’ volleyball after initially helping with the program where her younger brother played. She then moved over as an assistant coach for the girls’ volleyball team. Now studying health administration at IU Indianapolis, Jeanna credits the College & Careers team for opening doors she never imagined. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” she says. Though she plans to take a break from coaching to focus on her final years of college, she remains grateful for the experience and proud of the growing program.
Christel House Athletic Director Nolan Dowling sees alumni coaches as a vital part of the school’s culture. “It’s awesome to have kids come back,” he says. “We want them to feel part of our community even after they graduate.” Soccer Coach Keith Stewart echoes that sentiment: “Even after they leave, they can come back and continue learning—just in a different format.” Thanks to these dedicated alumni, Christel House athletes are not just learning the game; they’re learning from role models who once stood in their shoes.