Harrelson announced as Gulf Shores City Schools’ Director of Soccer

State championship coach brings 29 years of experience, will oversee overall direction of Dolphin program

By Cole McNanna
Sports Editor
cole@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 11/17/22

State champion soccer coach Chad Harrelson will become the Director of Soccer for Gulf Shores City Schools, effective Jan. 2, 2023, the district announced Thursday. Harelson will be tasked with …

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Harrelson announced as Gulf Shores City Schools’ Director of Soccer

State championship coach brings 29 years of experience, will oversee overall direction of Dolphin program

Posted

State champion soccer coach Chad Harrelson will become the Director of Soccer for Gulf Shores City Schools, effective Jan. 2, 2023, the district announced Thursday. Harelson will be tasked with overseeing the overall direction and coaching of the Dolphin soccer program.

Harrelson brings 29 years of high school teaching and coaching experience where he’s most recently been the head boys’ coach at St. Paul’s Episcopal. He has racked up an overall record of 401-196-62 with nine trips to the final four and five trips to the state championship match where the Saints won the 2019 Class 6A state title.

“I am humbled by the faith Coach (Kevin) Tubbs (Athletic Director), Mrs. (Cindy) Veazey (high school principal), and Superintendent Dr. (Matt) Akin have put in me to create a cohesive soccer program for the children of Gulf Shores,” Harrelson said in the release. “I am leaving a big piece of my heart at St. Paul’s and I have been privileged to work with amazing families, faculty, and students for the past eighteen years. I look forward now to bringing that same drive and determination to Gulf Shores as we train up a new generation using the beautiful game.”

For the last 21 years, Harrelson has been the director of the Southern Shootout, one of the largest high school tournaments in the Southeast, hosted at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex. His previous coaching stops also include the University of Mobile (junior varsity coach), Alabama Soccer Association (Olympic development coach) and Mobile Soccer Club (director of coaching).

“We are excited to bring Coach Harrelson into the Dolphin family and the Gulf Shores Athletic Department. His experience leading school-wide soccer initiatives and developing coaches and student-athletes will be a huge benefit to our school,” Tubbs said. “I have no doubt that he will be a valuable addition and will continue our quest to have a first-class academic and athletic experience for all our students."

While his term won’t begin until the new year, Harrelson shared his excitement in switching his St. Paul’s gear for Gulf Shores attire.

“We will learn to do the small things right, to not fear failure, to grow from our mistakes, and most importantly, to love those both on our side and across the midline. I am excited to be a Dolphin,” he said.