Get to know your coaches: Lady Flames Head Coach Chris Hennessey
Photo by Reily Rogers courtesy of Lee Athletic Communications
In early 2006, Chris Hennessey joined the Lee University family as a student-athlete. Less than a decade later, he was the one leading student athletes as head coach of the Lady Flames soccer team.
Originally from Manchester, England, Hennessey came to Lee and began adjusting to small town life.
“I was 22. I was a little bit older when I came over, and I’d been living on my own since I was 16 or 17 years old,” said Hennessey. “Being out and being independent was not the big part, but it was a different way of life than living on the outskirts of a big city in England.”
From 2006-2009, Hennessey played on the Flames soccer team and said his experience was a transformational opportunity.
“I think my overall experience would be one of thanks and gratitude, and I really appreciated the opportunity because for me — it changed my life completely in the direction that it was going to go living in England,” said Hennessey.
While living in the U.S., Hennessey met his wife, gave his life to Christ and found mentors to pour into his development. Hennessey said the loss of his father was also a pivotal moment in his life, solidifying his decision to become a Christian.
Other friends in Hennessey’s life, such as assistant coach Luidgi Beauzile and assistant coach Haley Gribler, have impacted his time at Lee as a student and now as a coach.
“His knowledge of the game, his feel for the team — he has a lot of empathy. He relates to the girls really well,” said Beauzile. “He has a very good relationship with the girls. His office is always open for them.”
Beauzile and Hennessey played at Lee as co-captains, and their friendship developed during their time together in college. Now, their friendship has developed even more as they coach the Lady Flames soccer team together.
Gribler, one of Hennessey’s and Beauzile’s former athletes, returned to Lee in the fall term of 2021 to help with the team. Gribler currently runs life groups with the girls who want to grow and learn about their faith.
“The way [this team] loves the Lord and wants to serve people, I think, is something people only know if they get the chance to get to know the team,” said Gribler.
The work ethic and personality of the team have played a vital part in Hennessey’s life as a coach, and his family has inspired him to become the person he is today.
“My mom was brilliant. She worked so hard, and she was a really loving parent,” said Hennessey. “My grandfather and step-father have been huge role models in how to conduct yourself and be a good human being and hard-working — extremely hard working.”
Hennessey is very passionate about his team and family. He encourages his team and other young adults to persevere and always pursue their passions.
“Take every opportunity you have, give your all, 100%, and then don’t follow a job because it pays well — follow your passion. That will make your life a lot happier,” said Hennessey.
Hennessey is now in his seventh year as the head coach of the Lady Flames soccer team and is pursuing his Master of Business at Lee.
For more information on the soccer team, visit leeuflames.com.
