Lesesne Ascends to Professional Coaching Ranks
3/22/2014 10:56:00 PM | Men's Soccer
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former College of Charleston men's soccer assistant head coach Troy Lesesne extended his coaching abilities to the professional level when he accepted an offer from Major League Soccer's (MLS) Vancouver Whitecaps FC to coach with the MLS side's USL PRO affiliate, the Charleston Battery.
Lesesne joins Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser and his staff in implementing the partnership between MLS clubs and their USL PRO affiliates, e.g., the Whitecaps FC/Battery affiliation.
The Columbia, S.C., native will be on the Battery sideline during the 2014 season, but also work closely with the Vancouver front office in assessing and reporting the progress of the five Whitecaps FC players the Battery have on season-long loans, among other responsibilities.
“While I'm extremely excited about this new opportunity, it's difficult for me to leave the program that I love and care deeply about,” said Lesesne. “I have developed so much and owe a great deal to the College of Charleston athletic program. In particular, I'd like to thank Coach Lundy and Joe Hull for providing me the opportunity to be the men's soccer assistant coach over the last nine seasons.
“While last year was a difficult season, the future is extremely bright for our program. The upperclassmen next season are more than prepared to lead the team, and the overall depth in the team is encouraging. I know this group is capable of excelling next season and it will be enjoyable to watch through a different lens.”
Lesesne departs the CofC program after 13 years of service to the College, four as a student-athlete in his undergrad and nine as a member of head coach Ralph Lundy's coaching staff, the same coach who recruited him as a standout player out of Brookland-Cayce High School. He has spent the last six seasons as the head assistant and aided the program in a wide variety of capacities including player development, academics, recruiting, alumni relations, scheduling, budgeting, and equipment. Those close to the program will attest to Lesesne's dedication and reliability, in addition to his services as a liaison between the team and other College programs and the community.
“Troy Lesesne has worked so hard in his coaching at the College of Charleston,” said head coach Ralph Lundy. “He has earned this opportunity to work for the Charleston Battery and the Vancouver Whitecaps. We're all extremely happy for him and we're going to miss him because the great job he's done in every aspect. The Battery and the Whitecaps are getting a tremendous talent with Troy.”
Lesesne's outstanding commitment to the development of the game and CofC's men's soccer program has already earned him recognition by several national pundits. During the 2013 season, he was spotlighted by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) for his passion and drive. He had been previously been included in the NSCAA's 30-Under-30 program, a year-long education and mentorship opportunity for 30 up-and-coming coaches who have made coaching soccer their career of choice.
The 2014 graduate of the College was also twice named among the top-15 assistant coaches in the nation by CollegeSoccerNews.com, a leading publication on NCAA soccer.
During his four years on the playing field, he helped lead the Cougars to 47 wins and an NCAA Tournament birth, with the Cougars reaching the second round of the NCAA Men's Soccer Championships after a Southern Conference championship in 2004. Following his senior season, he was named to the NSCAA/adidas All-American team and a first-team All-South selection.
He returns to the Battery after spending two seasons on the squad as a midfielder in 2005-06, recording three assists in 36 appearances on the pitch.
Vanouver and Charleston officially tied the knot on their partnership in January after a trial affiliation over the summer. The merger has already paid dividends for both parties, with the Battery fielding players at a caliber worthy of the nation's top professional league, while the Whitecaps can earn their young signees valuable in-game experience.
