FLAMES OF ‘FUREY’ — Lee University announced Tuesday by Lee pesident Dr. Paul Conn and Athletic Director Larry Carpenter, Paul Furey has been selected as the new head men’s soccer coach at Lee University.
“I believe coach Furey has the experience, the gifts, and the leadership style that will take us to a new level in men’s soccer,” said Dr. Conn in a statement released Wednesday morning. “He not only knows soccer, but he understands young athletes, and he is a perfect fit for the academic and spiritual culture of our campus. I am thrilled he is joining us.”
Carpenter noted, “I’ve never seen this many quality applicants for one coaching position and the task of narrowing it down and making the final decision was extremely difficult.
“In the end,” he added, “I feel we have someone who will lead our men’s program to the next level and hopefully enjoy the same type success as the women. I would like to commend the search committee and our president, Dr. (Paul) Conn for their work in this very important process.”
“I’m very excited and honored to be joining the Lee University family as the new men’s soccer coach,” said Furey. “Lee has a great reputation for their overall athletic program in the NAIA. It’s my goal to have Lee men’s soccer among the NAIA elite and join in the great success the women’s program has experienced.”
The Lee AD shared the same feelings, “Coach Furey brings years of successful coaching experience and has demonstrated his ability to compete with the very best NAIA programs. He understands the mission of Lee and will certainly fit in with the outstanding coaches already on staff.”
Furey brings an impressive list of credentials to his new position. He has posted over 250 career wins (252-165-32) and his 2008 Cougars reached the NAIA National Tournament Final Four. His 2009 squad was ranked No. 3 nationally by the NAIA.
Furey was named the NAIA Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year in 2008 and the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Coach of the Year in 2000. His 2008 team also claimed the NAIA Nels Dahlquist Scholarship Award and the Cougars were presented the Conference Fair Play Award (2002, 2005 and 2006).
Holding a Masters of Sports Management degree, he earned a Bachelors of Science (Communications) from Trinity International University at Miami (Ohio) in 1983. He has 20 years of experience as a college professor of physical education.
Not only has the coach been deeply involved in the youth soccer programs in the Mount Vernon area, he served as State Staff Coach with the Ohio South Youth Soccer Association and coached the Athletics in Action Women’s Team summer tour to Costa Rica (2001).
“I’m grateful to Dr. Conn, (Larry) Carpenter and the hard work of the search committee for demonstrating the faith in me to lead the men’s soccer program to national prominence, while always maintaining the values and Christian character important to Lee University,” said Furey.
He lists on his profile as being highly dedicated, loyal, strong family values, integrity and Christian character that integrates his faith into his coaching and striving for excellence on and off the playing field.
The new Lee coach replaces Henry Moyo, who resigned after the 2010 season. In fact, it was Furey and his Cougars that defeated the Flames in the opening round of the 2008 NAIA National Tournament. Mount Vernon went on to upset No.1-ranked Lindsey Wilson in the second round.
