Former MSU soccer standout Damon Rensing became the fifth head coach in Spartan history on January 1, 2009 after taking over for the legendary Joe Baum, who guided MSU for 32 seasons.In 2022, Rensing begins his 14th season as head coach, after serving as an assistant coach for 10 seasons at his alma mater. In 13 years, Rensing has compiled an impressive 130-94-35 record (.569).
Rensing was named MSU's head coach designate on Aug. 14, 2008 after Baum decided to make 2008 his final season as head coach. Rensing has spent nearly half his life in the Green and White with four years as varsity letterwinner, one season as an assistant with the women's program and 10 seasons in his previous position. In his first 11 years as head coach, the Spartans have made eight NCAA tournament campaigns, including a run to the Spartans' first College Cup in 50 years in 2018.
Last season, the Spartans went 6-9-2 with a 2-4-2 Big Ten record. Senior forward Farai Mutatu and senior midfielder Jack Beck both captured first-team All-B1G honors. Mutatu went on to be the 21st overall draft pick in the MLS SuperDraft by the LA Galaxy.
The Spartan reached the Elite Eight in 2017 with a 13-3-4 overall record and a stellar 5-0-3 record in Big Ten action. Michigan State continued its dominating play at home with a 7-1-2 record at DeMartin. MSU used home NCAA Tournament wins against Virginia Tech and Western Michigan to reach the Elite Eight. MSU was stopped in penalty kicks by Big Ten foe Indiana.
Under Rensing's leadership, the Spartans have received 29 All-Big Ten and 19 NSCAA All-Region selections, in addition to nine players that were named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team. The Spartans' performance in the classroom during Rensing's tenure has been equally impressive. Over the last 12 years, MSU has received 111 Academic All-Big Ten selections and 47 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar selections.
Rensing began his coaching career in 1997 when he assisted with the MSU women's soccer team before moving to UNLV when former MSU women's assistant Staci Hendershott was appointed head coach of that program. While at UNLV, he helped that club to an overall record of 8-10-1 along with a No. 3 national ranking for first-year programs. In addition, he coached the Las Vegas Premier Soccer U-17 Team to a state championship. After one year at UNLV, Rensing returned to East Lansing in 1999 where he became an assistant coach on Baum's staff.
Rensing earned his bachelor's degree from MSU in communication in 1997. He married the former Daune Koester in May 2004. The couple have two children, Anna and Drew.