Soccer Coach Hired

Jon Ireland named men's head coach

The athletic department has announced that Jon Ireland has been hired to take over the men’s soccer program at York College. When Chris Luther decided to move into a full time faculty position for York College, he chose to step down from his head coaching responsibilities. A search began in the spring semester to locate his replacement and led to this week’s hiring of Jon Ireland. 

“Coach Ireland stood out to the entire search committee as the front-runner in our search for a new coach,” said YC Athletic Director Jared Stark. “He is experienced, accomplished, and has a passion for soccer and working with college students. It was evident that he would be a good fit here and I believe God raised him up to be the next coach.”

Coach Ireland’s soccer resume began as a player at Harding University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology in 2003. He then began his career as an assistant at Harding from 2002 – 2005 before moving on to head coaching opportunities at both Faulkner University and Lipscomb University where he is winningest coach in program history. Along with his experience, his credentials include a USSF National B coaching license and a NSCAA Level II goalkeeper’s diploma. 

“There was no question that coach Ireland had all the credentials to be successful on this level, but what shines through the most is his faith,” added Stark. “From the start, Jon and I talked about this process being led by prayer. Jon made a statement of faith in Jesus Christ from the very beginning and I know this will be the focal point of his leadership.”

Coach Ireland commented, “My passion is coaching soccer and working with student-athletes. I understand that the four years they spend with me in college will very likely be the most influential years of their lives. I value the Christian university experience where the focus is not just academics or athletics but the spiritual life. I am thrilled to continue my work at a place like York College where I can continue to make a difference in young people’s lives.”

Jon is married, and his wife Hailee is finishing nurse practitioner’s school at Vanderbilt University. They have a one-year old son and plan to move to York as early as May 1.