News Releases 2009

The LeTourneau University Athletic Department has named Matthew Haesecke (pronounced “has-a-kee”) as new head coach of the Men’s Soccer program.  LeTourneau has offered men’s soccer since 1976 and has a proud tradition that Haesecke takes over.

Haesecke comes to LETU after spending the past eight years teaching and coaching at the Christian Academy of Guatemala in Central America.  He currently holds his United States Soccer Federation National “B” License and has seen success at every stop throughout his career.  Most recently he led his team to the quarterfinals of the National Tournament of Guatemala in 2006.  He has coached in the U.S. and Central America since 1996.  He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute where he played varsity soccer from 1992-1995 and majored in Christian Education with a minor in youth ministry.  He received his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2001 where he studied curriculum and instruction while minoring in health, physical education recreation and coaching.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be the new head men’s soccer coach,” Haesecke said. “I believe that through hard work and discipline, LeTourneau soccer will be competitive within the ASC.”

Bill McDowell, executive vice president for business and administration, which oversees the athletics department, said “Matthew’s heart for God, connection with students and passion for soccer are evident.  It will be exciting to experience the impact of bringing all of these together at LeTourneau University.””

             Haesecke takes over a squad that is on the verge of being a premier program in the American Southwest Conference.  Last season the YellowJackets missed out on the playoffs due to a tiebreaker.  LETU has a strong core of returning players including Dillon Holt who won the 2008 Newcomer of the Year award.