Yelton Resigns as Lee Head Coach, Hennessey named Interim
Courtesy of LU athletics
Cleveland, Tenn. - After 13 successful seasons of directing the Lee University women's soccer program, coach Matt Yelton has resigned and will be joining his brothers (Tom and Jay) on the coaching staff of the women's team at Sanford University.
Yelton is the most successful coach in Lee's sports history. In 13 seasons he recorded a 252-42-2 record, won 11 conference championships and an unprecedented four consecutive NAIA national championships (2008-11). His overall record in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) was a remarkable 89-0-1.
After moving to NCAA Division II and facing Gulf South Conference (GSC) competition, Yelton's teams continued their winning ways, posting an 18-2-0 record over the past two years and claiming the unofficial GSC title last season. His team topped off the 2014 campaign by winning the NCCAA national title.
"First I want to say how much I appreciate (Lee president) Dr. (Paul) Conn and all the support he has given to me and the women's soccer program," said Yelton. "He has been an outstanding example and mentor to me and I am a better coach today because I had the opportunity to work for him. He and his wife Darlia are exceptional examples of what Christian service and leadership should resemble.
"I have been blessed to be a part of an amazing group of coaches that make up the athletic department at Lee," Yelton added. "I have learned a great deal from them on a professional level, but more importantly have been supported, loved and encouraged by them all. I would also like to thank (athletic director) Larry Carpenter for his leadership and friendship, but more importantly his daily support in all the years I have been at Lee."
Yelton continued, "This is not been an easy decision for me, but I do believe that this is the best choice for my family and that's what this decision is ultimately about. As I have had the opportunity to think back over the time I have been at Lee, I have come to realize how very lucky I was to get to coach so many wonderful young women and I am so proud of what the Lee women's soccer family was able to accomplish. I believe that our current team is poised to achieve great things and that they will continue to represent the legacy of our program at the NCAA Division II level.
"Finally, Tamara (wife) and I are both so thankful that we have had the chance to be a part of the Lee community. There are so many exceptional people on this campus that it's hard to believe the quality of individuals can all exist in one place. Our children have grown up on this campus and we will miss Lee University, but we are so thankful to have had the chance to be a part of its history."
Dr. Conn expressed praise for Yelton. "Coach Yelton has made the decision to leave his position and take advantage of some opportunities that are developing elsewhere. We know what a close bond there is among the three Yelton brothers and they are a great soccer coaching family. We also understand that coach Yelton will be spending this time to step back from the pressure of head coaching while he makes a transition to some other opportunities that are developing."
Conn added, "I really appreciate and respect Coach for not waiting to make this move later in the summer. That would have left us with a real short transition, and actually, that is what many coaches do in this situation.
"As hard as it is for me to accept this decision, I really respect the way he has gone about it. This gives us a chance to solidify the program and prepare for a great season next year."
Said Carpenter, "Coach Yelton is one of the brightest and hard-working coaches I have had the privilege of knowing and working with. His ability to recruit outstanding student athletes and have them playing at an elite level each and every day is remarkable.
"The success he and his teams have enjoyed earned them the respect of coaches across the country and put Lee University women's soccer on the national map. I hate to see Coach leave Lee, but wish him the best as he transitions to be with his family."
Dr. Conn and Carpenter confirmed that Chris Hennessey will take over the women's program and lead the team through spring practices and the 2015 season. Conn said Yelton recommended that Hennessey take over the coaching duties. "Coach Yelton has groomed Chris for the job of head coach and I believe he will step up and lead our girls through this transition."
Hennessey was an outstanding defender for the Lee men's soccer team from 2006-09. He spent three years away from the university working with All-Pro Sports in Manchester, England. He returned to the states and was Director of Coaching for Central Maine United (a youth soccer program) before returning to Lee and assisting Yelton for the past three years.
"I would be remiss not to recognize the fact that I have always been blessed with exceptional coaches to work with on our women's soccer staff," pointed out Yelton. "My current staff is absolutely some of the best in the business. I am confident that they will continue to lead the program in the right direction. Chris is completely ready for this challenge and I know that the team is in the best hands it possibly could be."