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When Missouri State men’s soccer plays in Thursday’s NCAA tournament game, it could be the last for long-time head coach Jon Leamy.
The Bears boss will retire whenever MSU’s season ends.
Leamy doesn’t like talking about his accomplishments, but you can’t dismiss the impact he’s had on Missouri State soccer and the entire Bear community.
Jon Leamy has been at the head of Missouri State soccer for decades.
“30 years ago, (19)’92 I think,” he said.
In his three decades, Leamy has become the winningest coach in school history.
He’s led the Bears to six NCAA tournament appearances and 10 conference titles, but it’s not the wins and losses that makes Leamy so special.
“He develops young men the way we want things to be done here. That’s the beauty of coach Leamy. He’s believable, the guys buy in and he’s all in on Missouri State,” MSU Athletic Director Kyle Moats said.
That all in mentality has grown Missouri State’s soccer program to be known across the nation.
“He’s developed everything from a soccer perspective to make us contend and be in the NCAA tournament, and established us as one of the best in the country,” Moats added.
And he’s done so with a smile on his face.
“He’s always smiling, always whistling, positive attitude that’s infectious,” Bears Senior Goaltender Michael Creek said.
He’s also described as selfless, especially during this final season.
“Coach has not allowed the focus to be on him, full credit to him about that it’s about the team,” Missouri State Soccer Head Coach Designate Michael Seabolt said.
Leamy’s team-first attitude doesn’t waver, even when asked about the end of his coaching career inching closer.
“Throw that stuff out, this team has done so much over the last few years we have a good nucleus with eight seniors,” Leamy said.
Leamy’s love for his players has grown to have a lasting impact on them.
“Honestly, he’s taught me a lot about soccer and also a lot about life. Something that he always says is you can control your attitude; you can control your work rate. I think that’s something you can take into soccer but also something that you can take into so much more,” said Creek.
In January, Bear’s current Head Coach Designate Michael Seabolt will take over as head coach, and his plan for the future will have Leamy in it and keeping Leamy’s Legacy alive.
“Certainly, a legacy of hard work and leadership and commitment to the school, to Missouri State and to this community and those are amazing things that we’ll take forward. We’ve had a great partnership for 15 years and I know he’ll have a great partnership with the program moving forward,” said Seabolt.
