LeFevre named McMurry men's soccer head coach

ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson has announced the hiring of veteran coach Chris LeFevre as the university's new men's head soccer coach. LeFevre is the fifth head coach in the history of the War Hawks' men's soccer program and will begin his duties on January 5, 2015.
 
"We are truly excited to have Chris become a part of the McMurry Family," Ferguson said. "We had an exceptional pool of applicants, but Chris stood out from the rest. He has a great breadth of soccer knowledge, especially at the NCAA III level, and an infectious enthusiasm for the sport. But more importantly, he has a passion to help his players grow and mature in all areas of their lives, not just on the soccer field.
 
"I am very impressed with his recruiting plan and philosophy – as well as his goals and objectives as a coach – which perfectly matches up with what we want in our head coach. Chris is going to be a great asset not only to McMurry University's men's soccer program, but to our entire campus and local communities, as well."
 
LeFevre brings more than 10 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level with him to Abilene, six of which has been at the NCAA Division III level (to which the McM athletics program is currently reclassifying). He spent five seasons as the head coach at Adrian College (2009-13). His team had the school's best-ever finish in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (finishing third in 2010), produced 12 all-conference and three all-region players – the most honors in school history - and earned the school's "Pathway to Excellence Award" (for highest grade point average improvement among teams) in 2012.
 
In 2014, LeFevre was the director and head coach for 3D Soccer Training, while concurrently serving as an assistant coach for Albion College's men's program.
 
Prior to working one year (2008) as a volunteer assistant for NCAA Division I Binghamton University, LeFevre was the head men's soccer coach at Genesee (N.Y.) Community College for three seasons (2005-07). While at Genesee, he compiled an overall record of 41-17-1, earned a pair of Western New York Conference championships (2006 and 2007) and a regional final four berth (in 2006).
 
LeFevre will be charged with leading McMurry's program back into the American Southwest Conference and full NCAA Division III status. The War Hawks have not had a winning men's soccer campaign in more than a decade.
 
"I am truly excited about this partnership with McMurry University and honored that I have been chosen to lead the men's soccer program," LeFevre said.  "From the moment my wife and I landed in Abilene until we left, the people here stood out.  It truly is a great community to call home.
 
"I want to take this opportunity to thank President Harper, Athletics Director Sam Ferguson and the search committee for putting their faith in me to lead this program.  I will work tirelessly to first breathe new life into the program and then establish it to be something we are all proud of within the McMurry family"
 
LeFevre earned his bachelor's degree in sports management from Adelphi University in 2004 and his masters in sports administration from Canisius College in 2006, both NCAA Division I institutions. He was a member of Adelphi's men's soccer team and worked as a graduate assistant coach for Canisius.
 
LeFevre replaces Paul Tate, who resigned last November after five seasons at the McMurry helm.