Women's Soccer Outlook

Can coach Matt Yelton and his Lee women’s soccer team pull off “The Hat Trick”? Or maybe the Lady Flames, who are returning, would rather say they are going after a “3-Peat?”

The cold, hard facts are crystal clear. Entering his eighth season at Lee, Yelton has turned the Lee program into a powerhouse. The Lady Flames have claimed back-to-back NAIA national titles. His record at Lee stands at 157-29-5. Yelton capped off a great year by being voted the NAIA National Coach of the Year.

Senior Christiane Christensen was selected as the NAIA Player of the Year and sophomore Jamie Achten was labeled the national tournament’s Offensive MVP. Seniors Marina Lima and Linn Christensen joined Achten on the national all-tournament squad. Later, Chris and Linn Christensen, and Lima were named First-Team All-Americans.

The Lady Flames have totally dominated conference competition, winning eight league tournament titles, seven regular-season crowns. Lee finished second in the NAIA National Tournament in 2005 and made the Final Four in 2007.

The Lee coach admits he lost some extremely talented players from his 2009 championship team. “Not only were they talented, they were the leaders of our team, and had the opportunity of playing together for four years,” he said. “We not only lost four All-Americans, but one of our team’s captains in senior Kristine Tuck.”

But Yelton always has good news to report. “We also have a very talented group returning,” he noted. “We have two-time All-American and leading goal scorer, Jamie Achten, returning. After missing last season with an injury, three-year starter Sammy Hare is back. Put those together with all-conference players Kim Conrad and Clair Lanter, and All-American goal keeper Leah Wilson, and you can see why I’m excited.” Goal keeper Kristi Koudelka was a two-year starter before missing 2009 with an injury, and Darcy Brannen, Lee’s top reserve, was outstanding in spring practice.

“I know this is saying a lot but I do believe this is the best group of players we have ever brought in,” suggested Yelton when speaking about his recruiting class. “We have some of the top players in Tennessee joining our 2010 class.” He pointed directly at Chattanooga area player of the year, Danielle Ciabattone, as leading the way, plus he also added quality players from Ohio, Florida and North Carolina.

The international recruits have captured plenty of attention. Katrine Korsgaard, the captain of the Under-20 Danish National team is the most prominent, “but I believe Ode Fulutudilu (Capetown, South Africa) and Benedicte Christensen (Oslo, Norway) will be some of the top players in the NAIA this fall,” Yelton added.

The 2010 Lady Flames will be a young team. “We will probably start eight or nine freshmen and sophomores,” said Yelton. “I have already pointed out that we will have talent, but I believe one of the strengths of our teams in 2008 and 2009 was having a group of players that had played together for several years. We will not have that luxury this fall, but I do believe that we have a quality group of players that are willing to work hard and get a good understanding for each other quickly.”

The schedule is always something women’s soccer takes great pride in. Lindsey Wilson was ranked No. 1 most of the 2009 season. Azusa Pacific grabbed the fourth slot and Martin Methodist was listed as sixth best. All three appear on the 2010 schedule. The Lady Flames open with exhibitions at NCAA Division I Auburn University (August 14) and NCAA Division II Columbus State University (Auguts 20). Carson-Newman is another Division II test. NCAA Division III Emory University and the University of the South (Sewanee) are other headline events, plus the usual SSAC slate that includes newcomer University of Mobile.

Along with losing a very good senior class, Yelton and the Lady Flames also have to replace their top assistant in Amanda Holmes. “Amanda, in my opinion, was the best assistant coach in the NAIA the last several seasons,” acknowledged Yelton. “She was definitely a key component of our championship runs over the last two years. Unfortunately for us, she has made the decision to open her own fitness studio in Chattanooga. She will be sorely missed.”

While trying to replace Holmes, Yelton said he had over 50 people contact him about our opening. “There was only one person in the end who I felt was the best fit for our staff, and fortunately for us we were able to bring him.

“Chris Walker had an outstanding playing career at Lee, and I watched him as a graduate assistant for our men’s program for two seasons. He did an exceptional job in that role, so I knew he would be a great hire for us. He is organized, energetic, and has a great understanding of the game, and I am confident he will be an excellent addition to our coaching staff.”

The Lee Soccer Field will take on some new looks. “We are certainly making some very big upgrades to the field,” said the coach. “I believe the new dugouts will really enhance the appearance of our field, and the new concession area will be a much needed addition to our facility. We are always striving to give the fans a great experience at the Lee soccer field. I think both of these additions will enable our home matches to be that much more special.”