You Won't Believe Which Dryden Grad Just Became Le Moyne's Head Coach—Is This the Start of Something BIG?

DRYDEN, NY (607NewsNow) – In an exciting development for the local sports community, former soccer standout Taylor Van Fleet has been named the head coach of the women’s soccer program at Le Moyne College. The announcement was made on January 8, marking a significant milestone in Van Fleet's burgeoning coaching career.

Van Fleet, who played under her maiden name, Bennett, at Dryden High School, was a remarkable athlete during her high school years. Graduating in 2016, she not only earned the title of NYS Class B Player of the Year in her senior season but was also recently inducted into the New York State High School Girls Soccer Hall of Fame. These accolades reflect her exceptional talent and commitment to the sport.

Following her storied high school career, Van Fleet continued her soccer journey at Syracuse University, where she was a four-year starter. Her dedication and skill on the field eventually led her to play professionally in Iceland, adding an international dimension to her playing experience.

Before taking on the head coaching role at Le Moyne, Van Fleet spent the last four years as an assistant coach at Binghamton University. During her tenure with the Bearcats, she played an instrumental role in the team's consistent success, as highlighted by Head Coach Neel Bhattacharjee. His endorsement underscores Van Fleet's potential to lead and inspire young athletes in her new position.

This transition from player to coach not only showcases Van Fleet's personal achievements but also represents a broader trend in collegiate sports where former athletes are increasingly stepping into coaching roles. The impact of such transitions can be profound, as these individuals bring firsthand experience, passion, and a unique understanding of the game to their teams. As Van Fleet embarks on this new chapter, her local roots and history of excellence in soccer will undoubtedly resonate with her players at Le Moyne College.

Van Fleet's appointment is a promising development for the women’s soccer program, and many in the Dryden community are eager to see how her leadership will shape the team's future. Her journey highlights the importance of mentorship and the cyclical nature of sports, where former players can inspire the next generation of athletes.

As college soccer prepares for its upcoming season, the community will be watching closely, eager to support Van Fleet as she brings her vision and expertise to Le Moyne's women’s soccer program.