New Mexico’s United Soccer League franchise (USLNM) has announced that Troy Lesesne will be the first Head Coach and Technical Director of the club. Lesesne previously served as the Assistant Coach at USL’s Charlotte Independence.
Lesesne, 34, brings 14 years of coaching experience, and a USSF “A” Coaching License to New Mexico. He joined Charlotte in their 2015 inaugural season, and has compiled a 49-37-34 record in his four years with the club. In 2015, the Independence advanced to the Round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after defeating the MLS’ New England Revolution.
Before joining the Independence, Lesesne served as an assistant coach and liaison with the Charleston Battery/Vancouver Whitecaps, as part of their MLS/USL affiliation. Lesesne’s teams have advanced to the USL Playoffs in the 3 out of the last four seasons (Battery – 2014; Independence – 2016 & 2017).
“The chance to be the leader of this organization and create something special for the state of New Mexico is an opportunity that I’ll cherish forever and plan to make the most of for this community,” said Lesesne.
Before coaching at the professional level, Lesesne spent nine years as an assistant coach at the College of Charleston (2005-14), where he helped the program compile an 82-76-14 record, along with a Southern Conference regular season championship and second round NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010.
Lesesne was named one of the top-20 assistant coaches in the nation by CollegeSoccerNews.com (2011 & 2013), and was selected to the inaugural NSCAA “Top 30 Under 30” coaches program (2013). In addition to his USSF “A” coaching license, Lesene also holds a NSCAA Premier Diploma.
“Troy is a brilliant tactician and rising star in U.S. Soccer. He has had success at every level, from academy to college to professional, and we expect that to continue in New Mexico” said Team Owner and President Peter Trevisani. “He checked every box we had: on-the-field excellence, commitment to building positive outcomes on and off the pitch, and impeccable personal character.”
Trevisani knew from the beginning that his Head Coach needed to be a unique mind that could strategize and execute beautiful soccer and maintain equal, if not greater, devotion to initiatives across the state. “This franchise is, genetically, bigger than soccer. We undoubtedly have to produce results and win cups, but we also have to make good on our promises to this state. We are going to facilitate new, and awe-inspiring moments of unity and togetherness, and Troy is going to play a crucial role in fulfilling our mission,” said Trevisani.
Following a successful collegiate playing career at the College of Charleston (2001-04), Lesesne was drafted by the Battery in 2005 and played professionally for two years before accepting his first coaching job. Lesesne’s unparalleled ability to develop meaningful relationships with his players, his proudest professional accomplishment, is a byproduct of that experience.
“Make no mistake about it, this is a results-oriented business. With that said, I firmly believe that coaching provides an opportunity to transcend the time we spend with players on the field. The development of players, both on and off the field, is paramount for me,” Lesesne said.
New Mexico’s United Soccer League franchise (USLNM) has announced that Troy Lesesne will be the first Head Coach and Technical Director of the club. Lesesne previously served as the Assistant Coach at USL’s Charlotte Independence.
Lesesne, 34, brings 14 years of coaching experience, and a USSF “A” Coaching License to New Mexico. He joined Charlotte in their 2015 inaugural season, and has compiled a 49-37-34 record in his four years with the club. In 2015, the Independence advanced to the Round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after defeating the MLS’ New England Revolution.
Before joining the Independence, Lesesne served as an assistant coach and liaison with the Charleston Battery/Vancouver Whitecaps, as part of their MLS/USL affiliation. Lesesne’s teams have advanced to the USL Playoffs in the 3 out of the last four seasons (Battery – 2014; Independence – 2016 & 2017).
“The chance to be the leader of this organization and create something special for the state of New Mexico is an opportunity that I’ll cherish forever and plan to make the most of for this community,” said Lesesne.
Before coaching at the professional level, Lesesne spent nine years as an assistant coach at the College of Charleston (2005-14), where he helped the program compile an 82-76-14 record, along with a Southern Conference regular season championship and second round NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010.
Lesesne was named one of the top-20 assistant coaches in the nation by CollegeSoccerNews.com (2011 & 2013), and was selected to the inaugural NSCAA “Top 30 Under 30” coaches program (2013). In addition to his USSF “A” coaching license, Lesene also holds a NSCAA Premier Diploma.
“Troy is a brilliant tactician and rising star in U.S. Soccer. He has had success at every level, from academy to college to professional, and we expect that to continue in New Mexico” said Team Owner and President Peter Trevisani. “He checked every box we had: on-the-field excellence, commitment to building positive outcomes on and off the pitch, and impeccable personal character.”
Trevisani knew from the beginning that his Head Coach needed to be a unique mind that could strategize and execute beautiful soccer and maintain equal, if not greater, devotion to initiatives across the state. “This franchise is, genetically, bigger than soccer. We undoubtedly have to produce results and win cups, but we also have to make good on our promises to this state. We are going to facilitate new, and awe-inspiring moments of unity and togetherness, and Troy is going to play a crucial role in fulfilling our mission,” said Trevisani.
Following a successful collegiate playing career at the College of Charleston (2001-04), Lesesne was drafted by the Battery in 2005 and played professionally for two years before accepting his first coaching job. Lesesne’s unparalleled ability to develop meaningful relationships with his players, his proudest professional accomplishment, is a byproduct of that experience.
“Make no mistake about it, this is a results-oriented business. With that said, I firmly believe that coaching provides an opportunity to transcend the time we spend with players on the field. The development of players, both on and off the field, is paramount for me,” Lesesne said.
