Asheville City Soccer Club today announced that Mathes H. Mennell, Ed.D., has accepted the role of Chief Operating Officer, Sporting and Club Operations (COO). Mennell will lead the club’s sporting departments across the men’s and women’s programs and integrate front-office and club operations, connecting corporate and community partnerships, player experience, logistics, and matchday delivery.

“Mathes brings a rare blend of sporting leadership, operational discipline, and relationship-building,” said Club President Jimmy Wheeler. “From sidelines to the boardroom—his profile matches where Asheville City is headed on and off the pitch.”

“I’m honored to serve Asheville City Soccer Club and this community,” said Mennell. “Our aim is simple: world-class habits, local roots. In this role, I am committed to building on the club's excellent history and continuing its current achievements. My chief endeavor in this role is to exemplify the club’s mission—to create an environment that enables our women’s and men’s players to pursue their dreams and use soccer as a force for good in our community—while pursuing championships for our supporters.”

Dr. Mennell brings more than three decades of experience across college, club, and youth soccer. Most recently, as an assistant coach at Asheville City, he helped the club achieve its two most successful USL-2 seasons to date in 2023 and 2024, highlighted by a national semifinal berth in 2023. He serves as National Director of Academics & Educational Partnerships at Pre-College Development Academy. Before joining PCDA, he was at Warren Wilson College, where he was Assistant Athletic Director and Men’s Head Coach. Before his time at Warren Wilson, he had coaching stints at UNC Asheville Men’s Head Coach (2015–2019), where he led the Bulldogs to a Big South third-place finish (2016), and Loyola Marymount (Associate Head Coach 2007-2015, Assistant Men’s/Women’s coach 2002-2007), where he helped LMU Men win two WCC titles (2010, 2013) and reach five NCAA Tournaments on the men’s side. In addition, he helped the Lions' Women's Soccer program earn NCAA Tournament berths in 2002 and 2007. He has also coached at the U.S. Air Force Academy and held youth/academy roles with the MLS’s LA Galaxy Academy and USYS West ODP. Mennell holds both the USSF A and the USSF Goalkeeping licenses, earned an Ed.D. (East Tennessee State University) and an M.A. (Loyola Marymount University), and is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate.

“Mathes has great experience across all areas of the U.S. soccer ecosystem,” added Wheeler. “He will connect our sporting ambitions with a professional, sustainable club operation.

About Asheville City Soccer Club

Asheville City SC is a community-driven club competing in USL League Two (Men) and the USL W League (Women), committed to player development, supporter culture, and meaningful community impact in Western North Carolina.