VMI women’s soccer head coach Chris Haught-Thompson steps down

LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI Women’s Soccer Head Coach Chris Haught-Thompson announced that he would be stepping down from the position at the end of the month to pursue new opportunities.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve made in my life. I have loved my time at VMI and am very proud of what we have been building,” Haught-Thompson said. “I am so appreciative of all of the players that have come through this program and I will certainly stay as a fan of the group. Ultimately, it’s time to commit to my family moving forward. Thank you to everyone here who has made it a wonderful eight (total) years.”

Originally coming to VMI as an assistant coach from 2015-2017, Haught-Thompson returned to post as the head coach in 2019. Haught-Thompson finished strong at VMI, as the Keydets posted six wins this past season, tripling its win total from 2023. This year’s squad started out 3-0, the best start since 2018, later earning ties at UNC Asheville and Wofford. All six wins were against Division I opponents, perhaps none bigger than a 2-1 win at The Citadel, making it the first time since 2016-17 that the Keydets defeated the Bulldogs in two straight seasons.

“We wish Coach Chris Haught-Thompson and his family the best as they move on to the next chapter in their lives,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jamaal Walton. “Chris was highly respected on post and represented VMI in a first-class manner day in and day out. Chris did a wonderful job leading our women’s soccer program these past six years as our head coach and we appreciate his contributions to VMI.”

VMI will conduct a national search for its next head coach.