Kris started with the association in the Fall of 1994 as a volunteer helping Kentucky bid on hosting the US Youth Soccer Regional Tournament.  After graduating from Transylvania University later that year, he joined the state as Operations Director.  While at Transy, Kris was a standout on the soccer team as sweeper, being recognized as an All-American his junior year.  He has his degree in Marketing. 

Over the next five years he was involved actively in the growth of many new programs across the state and in the development of our newspaper and websites.  He was the manager of numerous state programs including the Open Cup, the Recreational State Tournaments, and coaching/member meeting/workshop as well as the hosting of several US Youth Soccer/US Soccer meetings and games.. 

In 1997 he assumed the responsibilities of keeping the KYSA books and taking care of the day to day financial management of the association.  In December of 1998 he was asked to also assume total leadership of the state office.

Kris Zander (right) with Perry Alexander, Kentucky Youth Soccer President; holding the FIFA Women's World Cup won by the US Women's National Team at the USSF Annual General Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky in August 1999.

Recognizing his willingness to accept more and more responsibilities and authority as his job grew and his increased value to the state, the board decided in March 2000 to promoted him to Executive Director of KYSA.  Kris is the first full time Executive Director of KYSA and was made a member of the State Board of Directors and the Chief Administrative Officer of the Corporation at the 2000 State Council AGM. 

He also served as the Kentucky State Coach and Director of Coaching until the hiring of a full time Director of Coach and Player Development Kris is a USSF "A" Licensed Coach. 

In 2000, Kris was recognized as the Kentucky Youth Soccer Eurosport Girls Coach of the Year for his work with his Under 14 team.

At the 2003 Kentucky Youth Soccer Annual Award Luncheon, Kris was recognized for his contributions to the state association with the state's highest award, 25th Anniversary President’s Award.