The Elon University women's soccer program will be without a leader following an announcement this morning.
Head coach Chris Neal is stepping down from the helm of the program after 10 years to take a coaching job at the University of Arkansas,Dave Blank, director of athletics, announced this morning.
"Chris has had a tremendous impact athletically and academically on the student-athletes he has coached and has been a great member of our athletics staff," Blank said in a statement. "We wish him well in what we know is an important move for him and his family as they depart for Arkansas."
"I cannot express in words how truly grateful I am to have spent the last 10 years as a member of the Elon Phoenix family," Neal said in a statement. "I am very proud of the team's evolution since 2008 and am excited to see what this truly special group of student-athletes will accomplish next season."
In his time at Elon, Neal held a 90-76-31 record, including a 9-6-4 record in the 2017 season. That record makes Neal the winningest coach in program history. He was also named the Southern Conference Coach of the Year in 2012 .
Neal becomes the fourth head coach to step down since December 2016. Joining him are former cross country head coach Nick Polk, former men's soccer head coach Chris Little and former football head coach Rich Skrosky.
A national search for Neal's replacement will begin immediately.