ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University football has announced the hiring of Gus Christensen as the Director of Football Operations and Assistant Linebackers Coach, bolstering its staff with a former collegiate student-athlete who brings a background in analytics, leadership, and player development.

A highly decorated defensive player at Washington University in St. Louis, Christensen earned First Team All-CCIW honors in 2022 after playing in all 11 games and leading his team with 51 solo tackles and 73 total tackles. He added 22 assisted tackles, a team-best 11 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and two pass breakups while also earning Academic All-CCIW recognition.

In 2021, Christensen appeared in 10 games, recording 20 total tackles, two tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery, again earning Academic All-CCIW honors. He was named to the Academic All-UAA team in 2020 and saw action in three varsity games as a freshman in 2019.

Prior to his collegiate career, Christensen was a four-year letterwinner and team captain at Lincoln-Way East High School, where he earned all-conference, all-area, and all-state honors. He was named the 2018 Kevin Molloy State Farm Defensive Player of the Year and the Southwest Suburban Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Christensen helped lead his team to the 2017 8A State Championship and conference title, followed by a 2018 8A State semifinal appearance and another conference championship. He finished his high school career with 34 tackles for loss, ranking third in school history, and was also recognized as an Academic All-State selection.

Most recently, Christensen worked as a research analyst with EIS Group, where he analyzed market data and supported research initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, professional sports organizations, and universities. His work included designing surveys, conducting focus groups, and delivering data-driven insights to improve performance and fan experience.

He also gained experience in sports analytics and performance in previous roles, including internships focused on sports business analytics and biomechanics, where he used motion capture technology to enhance athlete performance.

In addition to his professional experience, Christensen founded Christensen Fitness and Health, LLC, an online coaching business where he develops individualized fitness and nutrition plans. He holds certifications in personal training and nutrition through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

He has also demonstrated a commitment to service, volunteering with organizations such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Habitat for Humanity.

Christensen earned both a Bachelor of Data Science and a Master of Science in Data Analytics and Statistics from Washington University in St. Louis. He also minored in the business of sports, combining on-field experience with a strong analytical foundation.