How to replace a legendary coach? Charlotte Latin hires someone familiar with the program
Charlotte Latin hired a familiar face to replace a legend.
Kyle Searles, who coached at the school from 2015-19, will replace Lee Horton as the boys’ and girls soccer’ coach next season. Horton was approaching 1,000 wins at Latin and has coached at the school since 1985. His teams have won 19 state championships.
“It’s an honor to be named the next head soccer coach at Charlotte Latin,” Searles said. “I’m very excited to return and continue to build on the standard and success that Lee Horton has built with both the boys’ and girls’ soccer programs. I look forward to getting to know the current players, coaches, and the Charlotte Latin community over the next few months.”
Searles will teach in the school’s physical education beginning this fall.
“Coach Searles’ enthusiasm for and focus on the care and development of each student-athlete fits seamlessly with the athletics culture at Charlotte Latin,” school athletic director David Gatoux said. “Through his leadership, we are excited to both continue the rich soccer tradition created by coach Horton, while also forging a new path forward for our program.”
Searles, who worked under Horton during his time at Latin, was most recently head boys coach at Butler High, where he was named Southwestern 4A coach of the year.
Now he takes over Horton’s program that has produced 12 girls state championships, seven boys and multiple CISAA conference titles..
“I am incredibly pleased that Kyle will be returning to take over the Charlotte Latin soccer program,” Horton said. “He has a great soccer background, is compassionate and cares about our culture and its traditions. Hawks soccer is in good hands and will continue to thrive.”
