One of the most recognized names in Tennessee high school soccer is returning to the local coaching ranks. After more than two years away from the prep game, Jimmy Weekley has been named the boys' coach at Chattanooga Christian School.
Weekley, 46, became one of the state's winningest prep coaches during a 15-year career at Baylor, where his teams appeared in 11 state championship matches before he resigned in late November 2013 when he was cited for soliciting a prostitute in a sting operation that took place at a local hotel.
Former Baylor School soccer coach Jimmy Weekley was named head coach at Chattanooga Christian School on Monday."I accepted responsibility for my actions and I am humbled by the opportunity to be at CCS," Weekley said Monday. "I believe the process I have gone through has grown me and continues to grow me, as a follower of Christ, a husband, a father and man.
"It may not show up in the win-loss column, but I believe God will use me to have a big impact on the students I teach and coach. I am humbled and thankful to my wife, Cayce, my children, my family, the Chattanooga soccer community and my church for their love and support."
Weekley will take over the Chargers program for David Stanton, who is retiring after 43 years working at CCS, which included starting the school's soccer program. Stanton guided the Chargers to the state tournament seven times, winning the 2001 championship and finishing runner-up in 2003. The CCS soccer stadium is named in his honor.
"David has been an outstanding champion of CCS soccer throughout his entire coaching career," athletic director John Visser said. "He brought his unique style and passion year after year, and multiple generations of CCS students have been blessed by his leadership, coaching and teaching."
Weekley, a former Covenant College star, began helping the CCS eighth-grade soccer program last year.
"CCS did significant due diligence over the course of a year and a half in considering Jimmy Weekley for our head boys' soccer coaching position," schhool president Chad Dirkse said. "Central to our consideration was the exercise of open discipline, restoration, ongoing accountability and care in the local church where Jimmy and his wife remain active members. As a Christian school, we believe God's grace is foremost in repentance, forgiveness and restoration and our community can be a place where that is not only taught but also lived."
Weekley won seven state championships as the Baylor girls' coach, and his Baylor boys' teams won three state titles. He compiled a 257-26-26 overall record and was named the NSCAA national coach of the year in 2010.
He also worked at the collegiate level, with Covenant and Flagler, and has been an assistant coach with the Chattanooga Football Club men's team for six years. He recently was named CFC's assistant director of coaching.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to hire a coach of Jimmy's caliber," Visser said. "Throughout the search and hiring process, we were impressed by his capacity and passion to disciple young men and his humility and transparency with regard to his strengths and weaknesses as a person, leader and coach.
"He brings the type of leadership and expertise that will help us strengthen our boys' soccer program throughout all grade levels."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.