Paul Leese is wiping the slate clean as he begins his first season as Coker men’s soccer coach.
“I told them all starting positions are up for grabs and even if you are returning prove yourself again,” Leese said.
Leese takes over for Robert Lane, who took the women;’s coaching job at Belmont Abbey. The England native spent the last three seasons as an assistant at Coastal Carolina.
Lees also played and and was an assistant at Furman.
Leese didn’t arrive in Hartsville until two days before preseason camp. He held two- and three-a-day practices to get ready for the season, which begins today at home against UNC Pembroke.
Leese said he will be counting on big contributions from captains Beeze Chastain and midfielder Marc Mergena.
Junior Ryan Lewis or freshman James Sweeney will start in goal.
“We are certainly in rebuilding mode,” Leese said. “We finished ninth out of 11 teams in the conference and anywhere above that would be an improvement.
“This definitely will be a learning year that will be spent laying a foundation for years to come.”
The Coker women also begin their season tonight at home against Newberry.
The Cobras are coming off a 3-15 season, including an 11-game losing streak to close out 2008.
The Cobras return 13 letter winners, including seven starters.
Bridget Clark is the leading returning scorer with eight points.
Jessica Ingle and Madi Warner will be counted on to anchor the Cobras’ defense.
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