College of Charleston assistant men’s soccer coach Troy Lesesne considers himself a "blue collar" coach.

Charleston head coach Ralph Lundy says that is what makes Lesesne a great coach and why Lesesne has been tabbed one of the recipients in the NSCAA 30-Under-30 program.

“Troy lives it and loves it,” said Lundy, who is entering his 27^th season as the coach of the Cougars and coached Lesesne from 2001-2004. “Troy was a dedicated player and he is a dedicated coach. He is entirely committed to his profession and has played a great role in our program’s growth and success. He is extremely worthy of this honor and knowing Troy he will take full advantage of the program and get the most out of it.”

At 29, Lesesne doesn’t look that different from his playing days. A standout midfielder from West Columbia, S.C., he starred at the College of Charleston and earned NSCAA All-American honors. He spent two seasons playing professionally for the Charleston Battery before he took a job assisting Lundy, the same boss who recruited him as a player. 

Using that "blue collar" approach, today Lesesne is a decorated college assistant with a master’s degree in communications, a top coaching license and prominent roles at S.C. United Mount Pleasant and Ralph Lundy Soccer Academy.

"I definitely have that ‘blue collar’ mentality,” Lesesne admitted. “I was never the biggest or most talented player when I played so I knew I had to outwork my opponent every time I was on the field. I do my best to bring that same mentality as a coach. I also know you never stop learning so I am humbled by this opportunity to be mentored by many of the great NSCAA coaches and learn from many of their programs. “

Lesesne said that his youth soccer coach, Kevin Heise, taught him the importance of work ethic at a very young age.

“I have been very fortunate to be coached by some fantastic coaches,” Lesesne said. “Coach Heise was vital because of the core values he instilled in me and he helped me appreciate the game on many different levels. I always wanted to be on the soccer field. I always wanted more.  I was then lucky enough at the college level to have Coach Lundy and also (former NSCAA President and Wofford head coach) Coach Polson, who was the associate head coach at Charleston when I played. These three coaches have been integral in my development as a player, coach, and person.”

Lundy says Lesesne has earned the praise.

“For starters, Troy cares about every kid he coaches and he works with kids of all ages,” Lundy said.  “He is magic with my college players and he is magic with the nine-year-old players.  He is dedicated to every player that he comes across.

“He is also a great personal communicator.  He has a positive way to communicate his passion to help players improve.  It’s impossible not to love that combination.”

Lundy said Lesesne will soak up everything the NSCAA has to offer.

“The NSCAA is about development and that’s what Troy is about,” Lundy said. “The NSCAA cares about all of its members, young and old. This program, just like so many that you see at the Convention, takes the veterans and integrates them with the young coaches … the future of our game. They are focused on the most important element, our human resources, and our young coaches are vital.”

Lesesne said that although it’s cliché his blue collar mentality coincides with the ideology to never stop learning.

“You have to have that mindset in coaching,” Lesesne said. “The NSCAA and our game is always changing and evolving  I saw that when I first joined in 2006 and attended the Convention. And, now I see it with the initiation of this program, too. They make it appealing to learn and share ideas and insights and it’s important that the young coaches get involved in that circle and give back."

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