“I’m incredibly humbled and honored to take on the role as Head Coach of Asheville City Soccer Club. Thank you to Jimmy, Mathes and everyone associated with the club for trusting me with the next step in this club’s exceptional journey. I’m, of course, really excited to continue working closely with Scott and building something like no other,” said Reynolds. “This is a club with a strong identity and a winning foundation already in place, and that’s credit to the work done before me. My focus now is clear: Push standards even higher, and help turn something that is already dominant into something truly exceptional. I’m motivated by the opportunity, excited for what’s ahead, and fully focused on winning a national championship and taking the step to the next level in the coming years!”
Reynolds comes to Asheville with a winning pedigree in USL League Two. After guiding Dothan United to a 4-4-4 record in the club’s inaugural campaign, the Dragons took off in Reynolds’ second season at the helm. Despite a loss in their opening match, Dothan compiled a 10-2-0 record last season in the regular season-good enough for 2nd in the South Central Division and a trip to the playoffs. The Dragons took off from there, winning three straight matches to earn a trip to Vermont for the National Semifinals. Reynolds and Dothan took the eventual champions, Vermont Green, to the brink but fell on penalty kicks.
Reynolds is currently the Associate Head Coach at Liberty University under Wells, moving over from Gardner-Webb University, where he occupied the same role last season. The year prior, Reynolds was the Head Coach of Spring Hill College in Alabama, where he became the second coach in program history to lead Spring Hill to the Gulf South Conference semifinals. Prior to 2024, Reynolds had stints with Pearl River Community College, Southern States Soccer Club, the NPSL’s Southern State Stars, and MLS side New York Red Bulls’ academy. Reynolds has a knack for winning and developing talent to push them on to the next level.
“Carl Reynolds is one of the best soccer minds I have been around, and we are thrilled to welcome Carl and his two girls to Asheville. He’s been a winner at every place he’s coached-from the collegiate game to the USL2 level,” said Jimmy Wheeler, Club President. “His attention to detail and elite preparation are what stand out at first glance, but his character is what ultimately brought this relationship to fruition. I’m confident that this hire puts Asheville City in a great position to compete for titles for years to come.”
Reynolds is taking over the job from Wells, who took Asheville to new heights never even dreamt of in his time in the 828. After taking over the role in 2022, Scott Wells compiled a regular season record of 39-2-9. His teams scored 153 goals while allowing only 31in 50 games-good enough for a +122 goal differential.
“From the second I interviewed Scott Wells for the Head Coach position, I knew he was the perfect fit for Asheville City. He has transformed our men’s side into one of the premier USL2 clubs in the country,” said Wheeler. “His move to sporting director ensures that the best recruiter at this level in the US stays in Asheville. His leadership and winning mentality have been paramount to our success, but his love for the game and relationships we have built over these past 4+ seasons are what stands out. Things may look a little different on the sidelines this season, but we’re beyond excited that Scott, Carissa and their 3 kids will forever be a part of the Asheville City family.”
Wells brought many “firsts” to Asheville: the first USL League 2 playoff appearance (2022), first South Central Division title (2023), first USL League 2 National Semifinal appearance and Southern Conference Championship (2024), first US Open Cup appearance (2024), and most recently, the first US Open Cup win in club history. In total, Wells tallied 4 playoff appearances, 3 South Central Division titles, 3 US Open Cup appearances and a Southern Conference Championship in his 4 seasons at the helm of Asheville City. Wells also won the USL League 2 Coach of the Year award in 2024, when the Blues logged a 10-0-2 record with a +31 goal differential. The Blues made their deepest playoff run in Wells’ tenure that year, winning the Southern Conference championship en route to the lone USL League 2 National Semifinal appearance in club history.
“When the club hired Scott in 2022, he came to us an Englishman who had started a family with a born-and-raised Asheville local. And four years later we’re proud to consider him one of our own who has made a lasting impact on the sport and community in the region,” said Tim Blekicki, Chief Brand Officer. “He’s inspired us, provided respite when we needed it the most, and put Asheville on the national soccer map. The city is better because of Scott Wells, full stop.”
“One night I was sitting on the sofa watching Netflix with the Mrs., and she turned and said, ‘You should consider taking the Asheville City job,'” said Wells. “The rest is history! 4 years, countless trophies and a club I’ll die for. Up the Blues! I love you all.”
Wells will now transition into the role of Sporting Director for the men’s team. Wells will work closely with Reynolds in recruitment and in helping players reach their dreams of going pro.
While he will not be coaching the Blues anymore, Wells will still have a massive influence on the men’s squad.
“Scott Wells stepping into the Sporting Director, USL2 role is a continuation of what he’s already built. What he’s done as our Head Coach has set the standard for the USL2 side of our club: how we train, how we compete and how we carry ourselves. That didn’t happen by accident. That’s leadership, discipline and a refusal to accept anything less than a winning standard,” said Mathes Mennell, COO, Sporting and Club Operations. “Now, we’re scaling that. Scott brings clarity, alignment, and most importantly, standards-the kind that doesn’t bend when it gets uncomfortable. He understands that winning is built through finding the right players for Asheville City, relentless accountability to the standard, and doing the hard things right, repeatedly. This is about defining the future of the Asheville City Soccer Club USL2 team.”
The Men in Blue return home to Greenwood Field on May 16th as part of a doubleheader with the Women’s squads. The Men host Hickory FC at 3:30 PM while the Women are slated to kick off at 6:30 PM against Southern Soccer Academy. You can buy your tickets here.
