Adam Ponder was named assistant men's soccer coach at Chicago State on August 24, 2022. He joins the Cougars on the heels of a three-year tenure as head men's soccer coach at Muskingum University, an NCAA Division III program based in Concord, Ohio.

During his time at Muskingum, Ponder's team set school record the longest winning streak in Muskingum history to start the 2019 season. While at Muskingum, Ponder powered the Fighting Muskies to their first conference win in six years for the soccer program. Coach Ponder recruited players from all over the world, including Morgan McKenna, who was selected to represent Guam for their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Prior to his time at Muskingum, Ponder served as the Director of Coaching for the Ohio Fusion Soccer Club. He spent the previous five years coaching collegiately at Wright State University, Valparaiso University and the University of Mount Union.

While an assistant at Valparaiso, Ponder helped lead the team to a top-25 ranking and an overall record of 25-16-15, which included a 10-5-4 season in 2016. Ponder mentored and directed a number student-athletes who were recognized with individual awards within the conference and region, including a Goalkeeper of the Year, a slew of first and second team all-conference selections, as well as a number of NSCAA regional nominations. Several of those student-athletes were selected to represent their respective national teams.

In 2013, Ponder transitioned to college athletics as a volunteer assistant at the University of Mount Union. He also honed his skills coaching in the club ranks at Canton United SC, Knoxville FC, Bloomington Cutters SC, Indiana Elite FC and Three Lions United Soccer Club before being named assistant coach at Wright State in 2017. While at Wright State University, he coached two players who were selected to the MLS Superdraft in 2018.

Ponder began his coaching career as an undergraduate student at Indiana University with the Bloomington Cutters Soccer Club. While enrolled at Indiana, he organized and implemented training sessions, assisted in the development of player skills and aided in recruitment efforts.

Ponder graduated from Indiana University in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree. He then continued his education at the University of Tennessee, earning a Master's degree in 2010.