LAWRENCE (KSNT) – Women’s college soccer is entering a new era as head coach Nate Lee will lead the program for its first season in fall 2024. His predecessor, Mark Francis, retired after a quarter century at the helm.
Lai asked Lawrence to give the players he inherited two things: an opportunity and a best effort. He said the Jayhawks answered that by choosing to stay through a coaching change.
“I think as coaches, we try to find the balance between being good educators, having patience, showing some grace, and understanding that things take time. ,” Lee said. “On the flip side, you want to grow. So there needs to be some responsibility, competition, intensity. We were juggling all the balls at once, and so were the players. I know we as a coaching staff really appreciate it and I'm personally very grateful to the team for welcoming us and giving us this opportunity.''
One Jayhawk chose to continue playing college soccer for six years. KU midfielder/forward Harry Kranke said it was easy to agree to the change in coach Lee for multiple reasons. Lee's resume is respectable, but on top of that, KU hasn't quite hit that mark in recent seasons.
“We could see right away that it worked,” Kranke said. “The intensity with which we practice is to be intentional in everything we do. It's even easier to buy when you see results right away. I can tell you from all of our staff, the passion they bring every day. It makes it easier to listen, to accept change, and to do things differently.”