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Leo Chappel returns for his fifth year as an assistant coach in the UC Santa Barbara men's soccer program. Since joining the Gaucho staff UCSB has enjoyed the school's four best seasons ever, helping the program to a 66-16-3 overall record over the course of his tenure, earning Chappel the recognition as one of the top assistant coaches in the nation from College Soccer News for five years running.
Following the Gauchos' run to the NCAA Finals in 2004, he was honored as Regional Assistant Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Representing the West Region, Chappel was one of six finalists from the junior college to the Division I level to be eligible for National Assistant Coach of the Year.
Over the past four years Chappel has been instrumental in guiding the Santa Barbara's program to elite level at which it now stands on the national scene. In his four seasons with the Gauchos they have won three Big West Conference titles, made three consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament where they have posted a 6-3 record, and played in a national title match.
Known for his ability to motivate and condition the team, Chappel preaches that the Gauchos are the fittest team in the nation, and the critics agree. In April of 2005, he was published in Training & Conditioning magazine with an article on soccer specific training.
A major factor in UCSB's rise to success on the national scene has been its recruiting classes that have continually been ranked in the Top15 in the nation for three years running. Prior to, and since arriving in Santa Barbara, Chappel has been instrumental in the process developing numerous contacts for the program on both the national and international levels, helping to bring some of the top amateur players from all around the world.
Chappel came to UCSB after spending the three seasons as an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. While a part of the 49ers program, Chappel's duties included everything from training and scheduling, to recruiting. His efforts were instrumental in helping UNCC to a national ranking.
Prior to his time at North Carolina, Chappel coached for two seasons at Ohio Wesleyan, helping guide the Battling Bishops to a Division III National Championship in 1997. In addition to his regular coaching duties at Ohio Wesleyan, he organized Team OWU, a fundraising group dedicated exclusively to the program. In addition, Chappel spent one season as an assistant at Wake Forest.
Chappel, who graduated from Ohio Wesleyan with his BA in Physical Education, is also a member of the U.S. Olympic Development Region IV coaching staff and holds a NSCAA Premier License. He is married to Amy Chappel, and they are the proud parents of daughter Marley Chappel who is four years old. The Chappel's reside in the Santa Ynez Valley.
