Entering his first year as an assistant for MNU men's soccer, A.J. will be primarily responsible for training the Pioneers' goalkeepers.

Kurtz is in his third year coaching youth soccer with Sporting Blue Valley in Overland Park, KS; and also coached the men's goalkeepers (2012-2013) at UMKC in Kansas City, MO.  He previously served two seasons as head men's coach at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett, Wash. At Trinity, he compiled a 20-11-3 record, after starting the program from scratch in 2010.

Kurtz has also served as goalkeeper coach for the University of the Pacific (NCAA-I), Colorado Christian University (NCAA-II), and University of Great Falls (NAIA). At the youth level he has been Director of Goalkeeping for the Colorado Fusion Soccer Club (Denver, Colo.) and the North Sound Soccer Club (Lakewood, Wash.). Kurtz holds a USSF National License and a NSCAA National Diploma.

As a player, he signed as a reservist in 2008 for the Colorado Rapids (MLS) and traveled with the first team. Kurtz was a 4-year starter and captain in the college ranks at Colorado Christian University; where he tallied 479 careers saves and received multiple all-RMAC selections. Prior to college, Kurtz spent 4 months in Mexico City on trial with Pumas (UNAM) of the Mexican 1st Division.

Kurtz graduated from Colorado Christian University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies.

Kurtz and his wife Elise were married in July of 2008 and they reside in Olathe, KS with their newborn daughter Adalyn.