Johnson U ex-boss is new KCHS girls soccer head coach
KNOXVILLE — Knoxville Catholic High School has found its new girls soccer head coach.
The school recently introduced Mason McNally, who comes from the college ranks, to lead the Lady Irish program.
At KCHS, McNally inherits a team that reached the Division II-AA State Tournament semifinals in 2019.
Most recently head coach of the Johnson University Women’s Soccer team, McNally also graduated from Johnson University, where he was a three-time First Team All-Conference soccer standout.
“We are excited to add someone of coach McNally’s exceptional character and experience coaching in the soccer arena, more significantly on the girls’ side of the game,” KCHS athletic director Jason Surlas said.
After graduating from Johnson, McNally became an assistant with its Women’s program. He was later promoted to head coach.
During his seven years as a coach at Johnson, the team made four consecutive regional championship appearances, while five players achieved All-American honors over a six-year period.
As Johnson’s head coach, McNally guided teams that achieved the two best national rankings in school history.
His 2017 team finished ranked sixth in the country in 2017, then finished with a No. 4 ranking in 2018.
“I am honored for this opportunity to lead such a storied program,” said McNally, who is a native of Joplin, Missouri. “The caliber of individual and athlete present at Knoxville Catholic is outstanding and I consider it a privilege to continue the facilitation of a program that breeds such excellence.
“I look forward to seeing what the Lady Irish will bring to the field this season,” he added.
McNally and his wife, Amy McNally, have a daughter, Finley.
.During his playing days at Johnson, McNally enjoyed a stellar career. He was a first-team all-conference performer three times and helped his team reach the. He helped his team win a pair of regional championships; the first two in school history, the team also reached the national tournament during those years.
