ELON, N.C. – Chris Neal resigned his position as Elon University’s head women’s soccer coach to accept a position on the coaching staff at the University of Arkansas, Director of Athletics Dave Blank announced on Friday, Jan. 19.
“I want to thank Coach Neal for being an outstanding leader and mentor to our student-athletes during his time at Elon,” Blank said. “Chris has had a tremendous impact athletically and academically on the student-athletes he has coached and has been a great member of our athletics staff. We wish him well in what we know is an important move for him and his family as they depart for Arkansas.”
The winningest coach in Elon women’s soccer history, Neal went 90-76-31 over 10 seasons with the Phoenix.
“I cannot express in words how truly grateful I am to have spent the last 10 years as a member of the Elon Phoenix family,” Neal said. “I would especially like to thank Dave Blank, as well as the entire Elon staff, for providing me the opportunity to lead this program. I am very proud of the team’s evolution since 2008 and am excited to see what this truly special group of student-athletes will accomplish next season. Finally, to our alumni and the Elon community, you will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
During Neal’s tenure, 26 players earned all-conference accolades and 35 earned academic all-conference laurels. Neal led the team to its first ever Southern Conference semifinals and championship games in 2013. In 2012, Neal was named the SoCon Coach of the Year.
A national search for Neal’s successor will begin immediately.