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Findley to build on Liberty Men’s Soccer coaching legacy

February 26, 2019

Kelly Findley, who guided Butler University to two NCAA national tournaments and NC State University to top-20 national rankings, started in January as the fourth head coach in Flames Soccer history.

“I am very proud and thankful to be part of the Liberty family,” Findley said. “To coach at an elite level and represent Jesus Christ is a great responsibility
and privilege.”

He brings with him 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, most recently serving as associate head coach at Davidson College. Findley started his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Eagles after playing professionally with the organization for six seasons. He also served as assistant coach at Miami (Ohio) University. He landed his first collegiate head coaching job at Mars Hill University near Asheville, N.C., in 1999.

Findley served for five seasons as an assistant at UNC-Charlotte (2001-05) before heading up teams at Butler (2006-10) and NC State (2011-16). His career coaching record is 121-98-28.

As a midfielder at Judson (Ill.) University, Findley helped the team win its first NCCAA National Tournament championship in 1991.

“Kelly has a passion for Liberty and our vision to Train Champions for Christ,” Liberty Director of Athletics Ian McCaw said. “His tactical expertise, vast recruiting network, and holistic coaching approach will serve the Liberty men’s soccer program extremely well.”

Findley will look to continue the legacy left by Jeff Alder, whose career as a Liberty player and coach spanned 31 years, making him Liberty Athletics’ longest active head coach. Alder stepped down after his 19th season as head coach to become the director of annual giving for the Flames Club.

“We are grateful for Coach Alder’s Christ-centered leadership of the men’s soccer program for the last 19 years,” McCaw said. “Jeff is beloved in the local community and throughout Flames Nation. His passion for Liberty Athletics and exceptional relational skills make him ideally suited for this new role.”

At Liberty, Alder was a four-year starting defender for legendary player and coach Bill Bell from 1987-90 and began his coaching career as Bell’s assistant from 1991-99 before succeeding him at the helm in 2000. He finished his coaching career with a 174-131-28 overall record after leading the Flames to Big South Men’s Soccer Championship titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2007 and 2011.

Alder also spent six years as Liberty’s Director of Academics for Athletics, and his players excelled in the classroom as well as on the field. With Alder’s guidance, 26 of his players have moved on to the professional ranks.

“My heart’s desire each day was to invest my life into the lives of each guy that God sent us and help them grow to their full potential as people first and players second,” Alder said. “Each year, my wife, Lori, and I adopt 26-28 young men and they become a part of the Alder family for life.”

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