Lee Introduces New Soccer Coach
Larry Carpenter at a press conference on Monday, January 23
by Alex Farmer
Lee University introduced Derek Potteiger, the new men’s head soccer coach, in a press conference Monday, January 23.
President Paul Conn, opened the conference, making sure he pronounced Potteiger’s name correctly: “Potteiger.. Potteiger.. Potteiger.”
Potteiger followed President Conn, starting with the introduction of his family and his commitment to making his coaching a family-first business.
Potteiger began his soccer career in Zimbabwe as a young boy, before moving on to be an All American at Penn State University. After his college career, he played professionally before hanging up his cleats and picking up a whistle to coach at NCAA DIII, Gordon College.
Potteiger said he is “thrilled” to be joining the Lee family and the group of energetic faculty in place.
Potteiger is going to spend his early days at Lee getting to know the returning players and assistant coaches and studying their old game videos.
As for the coming season, Potteiger aims to implement three things into the team.
A principled team - “There is a right way and a wrong way to do things, we will fall on the right side,” Potteiger said.
Energy , enthusiasm and emotion - Pottegeir said the team will "aim to be Captivating.”
Entertainment - “I have to watch every game," Pottegier mused, "and I do not want to be bored.”
Potteiger said the men will play with high energy and ooze excellence in everything they do.
“In light of that, there certainly should be high hopes and high expectations,” Potteiger said.
Athletic Director Larry Carpenter, stepped up to praise the new coach, saying he was excited for the “new brand of soccer” that Potteiger is bringing to Lee.
“It will be an identifiable brand,” Potteiger said of what he hopes to bring to the table.
