Head coach Kelly Findley has found success at every program he’s coached. Now in his third year as head coach of the Wolfpack, Findley has the N.C. State soccer program trending in the right direction.
Findley, previously the head coach at Butler University and Mars Hill University, played college soccer at Judson College. At Judson, he earned National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American honors three times and helped the school win its first NCCAA National Tournament Championship in 1991.
Findley also played professional soccer for the Charlotte Eagles for six seasons.
As a coach, Findley was a two-time recipient of the Horizon League Coach of the Year while at Butler. He compiled a 59-25-15 record as the Bulldogs’ head coach, winning 13 or more games in his final three years at the helm.
In his previous stint as head coach at Mars Hill, Findley directed the Lions to a second place finish in the South Atlantic Conference in 2000, his second year in that position.
Findley said his experiences as a Division II head coach at Mars Hill taught him the value of an optimistic attitude and hard work.
“I have a great photo of me at Mars Hill on a giant blue tractor aerating our soccer field,” Findley said. “I learned how to work hard while I was there and how to find a solution to problems.”
“That’s something that’s helped me through the years, being a solution finder instead of just a problem identifier. I think that helps you be a good coach and helps you find opportunities in life instead of just difficulties,” Findley said.
At N.C. State, Findley has a 21-24-6 record in his three years at the helm. Last year, the Wolfpack started its season 6-0, the second best start in program history. But the Pack lost momentum down the stretch after four players were dismissed following an incident at a bar.
Despite its loss in momentum, last season wasn’t a total disappointment for Findley and his staff. His players’ hard work and dedication to academics helped them earn a team GPA of 3.3 last year.
Findley’s strong reputation for excellence in academics, as well as athletics, was also evident at Butler. His Bulldogs earned a three-year team GPA of 3.25 and won three National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Academic Awards.
State has won NSCAA Team Academic Awards in each season since Findley took over as head coach following the 2010 season.
“The number one thing is that you get the right people on the bus,” Findley said. “If you get the right guys in the recruiting process, guys who want to be excellent in everything, then academics will take care of itself.”
“We don’t have to worry about the academic side with our group this year. They’re all as serious about being students as they are soccer players, and that’s our goal. If you get the right guys in your program, then that stuff is easy to manage as a coach.”
In his free time, Findley said he likes to spend time with his family. He also said he is an avid mountain biker.
“I like to stay in shape and be fit,” Findley said. “I think it’s a great way to deal with daily stress. And also, I can’t be overweight and tell my players they need to run more and work harder.”
Findley will lead State in its next match against No. 2 Notre Dame on Saturday at the Dail Soccer Field. The match begins at 7 p.m.
