Shehan resigns as Lexington Catholic soccer coach

By Jennifer Smith - jsmith3@herald-leader.com

Steve Shehan has spent most of his life at Lexington Catholic, first as a soccer player and then as the school's longtime soccer coach.

That love for Catholic made his decision to resign a difficult one.

”I have a huge attachment and love for this school,“ Shehan said. ”It's very difficult to leave something you've been a part of for so long.“

But Shehan's desire to become a full-time coach led him to a new position at Windermere Preparatory School in Florida. He also plans to start a soccer academy there.

Windermere is one of several preparatory schools overseen by Danny Haney, a former coach and athletics director at Lexington Catholic.

Shehan told his Catholic players earlier this week that he was leaving. An assistant coach will take over as interim coach.

”They've provided me with some tremendous times,“ Shehan said of his past and current players. ”It will be extremely tough to leave after all of the battles and fun times we've had together.“

Lexington Catholic became not only a city power, but a state power during Shehan's nine-year tenure. The Knights went 152-60-8 and won a state championship in 2004.

Catholic advanced to the state tournament six of the nine seasons that Shehan was the head coach, including five trips to the state semifinals or further.

One of the draws to the Florida school was the chance to develop players.

”I enjoy working with players and developing them,“ Shehan said. ”During the club season and the high school season, I really enjoyed working with the players and making them better. That made this a great opportunity for me.“