Nathan Harrell was named the Head Coach of the Emmanuel College women’s soccer team in March of 2016. Under Coach Harrell’s leadership, the program has had its best years, including its first winning season in 2017. After accumulating an 8-7-1 regular season record, the team went on to capture the NCCAA South Region Championship and advanced to their first ever NCCAA National Tournament appearance, cementing Harrell as the 2017 NCCAA Regional Coach of the Year. After transitioning to full members of NCAA DII Conference Carolinas in 2018, Harrell has successfully led his team to the Conference Tournament Quarterfinals every year.
Prior to EC, Harrell spent 6 years in the north Atlanta area, Harrell served as assistant coach at Lambert High School from 2010-13, and the head boys varsity coach at Northview High School from 2013-2016, as well as teaching full time in the social studies department. During this time, he also coached at Concorde Fire Soccer Club and Atlanta Fire United (AFU) as an academy and select lead coach for numerous girls’ teams. At Lambert the boys’ varsity team progress and developed into a state powerhouse and claimed the school’s first state championship in 2012. “Being able to develop as a young coach under Chris Wilson and Scott Luthart was an invaluable experience. It is something that I carry with me still today.”
Using that experience Harrell became the head boys’ varsity head coach at Northview High School in Johns Creek, Ga. During his time at Northview, Harrell lead the boys program to constant improvements and assisted in developing players to play at the next level. The experience of running a program allowed for Harrell to be a strong candidate to take over the EC women’s soccer program.
Harrell played youth soccer in Atlanta for Cobb FC (now SSA) under Steve Gummer and prep soccer at Whitefield Academy under Steve Hellier. After graduating he received a scholarship to play at Covenant College and then at Emmanuel College. He played three years under current men’s soccer coach Scott Borchers. Under the leadership of Coach Borchers, Harrell served as team captain for 2 years, earned Academic All-American honors, and made the Champions of Character team. Harrell graduated from Emmanuel College in 2010 with a degree in Secondary Education and minor in History.
Harrell is assisted by Bess Harrell, an Emmanuel College graduate and former women’s soccer player. As a husband and wife team, they aim to create a family environment full of accountability, positive competition and support. Coach Bess Harrell assists the program by working with Goal Keepers and the defensive back line of the Lions. She also does a tremendous amount of work through mentorship, leading bible studies, and player development.
Coach Nathan and Bess Harrell have 5 children that are a very involved in the program and love their “soccer girls” on the team.
The Harrell’s also have the goal of promoting the development of soccer and soccer players in the North Georgia area through youth soccer camps, and clinics. The women’s soccer players are very involved in the community and youth soccer.
“We are excited to be back in the EC community and we hope to make a positive impact in the lives around us, just as we had here as student athletes.”
If you are interested in learning more or joining the women’s soccer program please reach out to the coaches nharrell@ec.edu and bharrell@ec.edu
Nathan Harrell's Committment Statement:
"I am a follower of Christ, a leader, and a servant. I coach with passion and determination to point everything to the glory of God. I will allow others to grow to shine for the success of EC Women’s Soccer and God’s kingdom. You can count on me to challenge and hold us accountable, but also support and encourage. I am accessible, available, and committed to put our program first for the collective good. I will provide opportunities for individuals to reach to be their best. I am a husband, father, coach, mentor, and a sinner in need of Christ’s love. I promise to put forth the DAILY EFFORT for Eternal Rewards."
