Chris Lemay enters his 10th season as head coach of the Utah Valley women's soccer team in 2026 and will lead the Wolverines into their first season in The Big West Conference. The winningest coach in program history with a career record of 102-66-23, Lemay has transformed Utah Valley into one of the premier women's soccer programs in the West and a consistent contender on the national stage. He has guided the Wolverines to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including the program's first NCAA Tournament victory in 2020, and earned his third WAC Coach of the Year honor in 2025.
Lemay has guided UVU to four NCAA Tournament appearances (2017, 2020, 2022, 2025), including the program’s first NCAA Tournament win in 2020. He has led the Wolverines to two WAC Tournament titles (2017, 2020) and five WAC regular-season championships (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). He is a three-time WAC Coach of the Year (2022, 2024,2025) and has guided UVU to six WAC Tournament championship match appearances (2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025).
Over his tenure, Lemay's players have earned 57 All-WAC honors, including 27 first-team selections. Under his leadership, Utah Valley has produced three WAC Offensive Players of the Year—Heather Stainbrook (2022), Faith Webber (2024), and Ruby Hladek (2025)—and four WAC Defensive Players of the Year in Jenna Shepherd (2021, 2022), Sydney Bushman (2023), Haley Funn (2024), and Mia Owens (2025). The Wolverines have also had three WAC Freshmen of the Year in Amber Tripp (2017), Breanna Eves (2018), and Kate Shirts (2024). His players have additionally earned 23 United Soccer Coaches All-Region selections and numerous national academic honors.
Academic Excellence
Lemay’s players have excelled academically, with UVU earning eight consecutive United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Awards. His players have received eight United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America honors, including Ruby Hladek (2024, 2025), Mia Owens (2025), Faith Webber (2023, 2024), Heather Stainbrook (2021, 2022), Jenna Shepherd (2022), Haley Funn (2024), and Manthy Brady (2024). Five Wolverines have also earned consecutive College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® honors: Heather Stainbrook (2022), Sydney Bushman (2023), Faith Webber (2024, 2025), Ruby Hladek (2025), and Mia Owens (2025). In 2024, UVU had a nation-best four players named to the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Team.
2025 Season Highlights
In 2025, Lemay led Utah Valley to its fourth consecutive WAC regular-season championship and an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament, guiding the Wolverines to a 14-5-3 overall record. He was named WAC Coach of the Year after leading UVU to another dominant conference campaign, while Ruby Hladek earned WAC Offensive Player of the Year honors and Mia Owens was named WAC Defensive Player of the Year. The Wolverines placed five players on the United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region teams, highlighted by first-team selections Faith Webber and Ruby Hladek. Webber also earned TopDrawerSoccer All-America Second Team honors after leading the nation in goals (22), shots per game (6.82), and shots on goal per game (3.14). Utah Valley closed the season with its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and its second NCAA at-large bid under Lemay.
2024 Season Highlights
In 2024, Lemay led UVU to its third consecutive WAC regular-season title with a 6-0-1 conference record and a 12-5-2 overall mark. The Wolverines earned 10 All-WAC honors, with Faith Webber named WAC Offensive Player of the Year, Haley Funn as WAC Defensive Player of the Year, and Kate Shirts as WAC Freshman of the Year. Additionally, Heather Stainbrook became the first player in program history to sign with a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, joining the Washington Spirit and helping them reach the 2024 NWSL Championship game.
Other Notable Achievements
- 2023: UVU captured its second straight WAC regular-season title with a 10-4-5 overall record and an unbeaten 7-0-2 mark in conference play. The team conceded only three goals in nine WAC matches, with Sydney Bushman named WAC Defensive Player of the Year.
- 2022: UVU finished with a program-record-tying 14 wins and ranked among the nation's offensive leaders, placing third in assists (59) and 10th in scoring offense (2.45 goals per game). The Wolverines defeated No. 13 BYU on the road and drew No. 23 UCF in a historic season.
- 2020: Lemay led UVU to its first NCAA Tournament win, defeating No. 25 Memphis, and claimed both WAC regular-season and tournament championships. The team finished with the best RPI ranking in program history (No. 66).
Previous Coaching Experience
Before joining UVU, Lemay served as associate head coach at Cal (2012–16), helping the Golden Bears to four NCAA Tournament appearances. He also coached at San Diego State, UC Riverside, and with the San Diego Sea Lions in the Women’s Premier Soccer League. He holds a USSF A License and is a FIFA-certified Beach Soccer Coach.
Playing Career and Education
Lemay was a four-year starter at Eastern Michigan, where he earned a degree in communication with a minor in business management. He also played semi-professional soccer with Michigan Madness.
Personal
Chris and his wife, Tami, have four children: Van, Olivia, Hannah, and Eva, and one grandson, Cash.
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