Lee University has reached into the heart of Texas to hire its next women's soccer coach. Lee Hughes, who has worked as an assistant under Texas Longhorn's women's head soccer Angela Kelly since 2021, has been named to replace former Lady Flame coach Chris Hennessey, who resigned to accept the head women's soccer post at the University of South Alabama.

While at Texas, Coach Hughes, a native of Old Colwyn, Wales, helped direct the teams to the Big 12 Regular-Season Championship in 2022 and Tournament Championship in 2023. The club made three NCAA appearances, and one Sweet-16 appearance. Individually, Hughes coached three All-Americans, three Big 12 Attacking Players, and one Big 12 Defensive Player of Year.

"A massive thank you to (Lee Athletic Director) John Maupin. He has given my family and I so much support through this process and I am grateful and honored to be the next head coach for women's soccer at Lee. I also want to express my gratitude to (Lee President) Dr. Walker for giving me this incredible opportunity," said Hughes. "I want to thank the University of Texas for allowing me the opportunity to coach some amazing women and work alongside some great people!  I can't wait to get started with the team and build on the great foundation that has been set for Lee Women's Soccer."

Before making his way to Austin, Hughes served as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama-Birmingham from 2017-21 and was also the Region 3 Olympic Development Program lead coach. He was an assistant coach with Indiana State University from 2016-2017 and was a volunteer assistant with the University of Iowa from 2015-16. Coach Hughes worked to earn a master's degree in Exercise Physiology from UAB in 2019. He graduated from Ashford University (Iowa) in 2014, where he played and served as team captain. Hughes helped guide the Saints to the 2013 NAIA Final Four and the 2014 NAIA Sweet 16 while also excelling in his studies as he was named both a 2014 NAIA Academic All-American and the Scholar Athlete of the Year. While in Wales, Hughes played for Llandudno FC and Conwy United of the Cymru Alliance.

"I am thrilled with the hiring of Lee Hughes as our next women's head soccer coach for the historic Lady Flames program. Coach Hughes' philosophy and vision for our program really stood out during the interview process and make him a great fit within our athletic department," commented Lee Athletic Director John Maupin. "His experience and competitive drive make him the right choice to continue the tradition of success and excellence that has been established within the Lee University program. We are looking forward to welcoming Lee, Morgan (wife), and Hazel (daughter) into the Lee University family and the Cleveland community."

Said Lee University President Dr. Mark Walker, "We are excited to have Lee Hughes join the Lee University athletic program. We believe with his DI experience he will make our excellent women's soccer program even better. Coach Hughes brings the value we look for in a coach. He is one who is committed to not only building a competitive winning team, but one who is even more committed to developing the Christian character of our student athletes." 

Hughes takes over a Lady Flames program that went  47-5-10 over the last three seasons with two Gulf South Conference Tournament Championships. Since joining NCAA D2 in 2015, the Lady Flames have qualified for the NCAA Tournament each of the past eight seasons.