Macalester will name its athletic field after former soccer coach John Leaney, who retired from coaching as one of the most accomplished winners in Division III history. Beyond that, Leaney was a mentor and leader who made a significant impact on the development of students.
The college hopes to raise $2 million to fully fund an endowment for the field, which would ensure Macalester has a state-of-the-art playing surface for soccer, football, club sport teams, and for the Macalester campus and local community.
The endowment was established by Becca Van Dyck ‘91 and Erik Thomsen ‘91 to honor Leaney. This gift ensures that his legacy lives on at Macalester and his name will forever be a part of Macalester athletics.
Help honor one of Macalester’s most celebrated coaches during our mini campaign August 2-16, 2022.
Donation Match
$1 per $1 donated up to $25,000
Match Complete!
Offered by Chuck Szymanski '91 and Amy Walter Matching Fund
We’ve officially wrapped up the John Leaney Field mini-campaign! Together, we raised over $672,000 to honor Coach John Leaney and support the future of Macalester Athletics.
Thanks to the generosity of over 250 donors, we are one step closer to reaching our $2 million goal. And now, we will build on this strong foundation to secure top-notch maintenance of this field. We can’t say it enough: thank you. Thank you for honoring Coach Leaney’s impact. Thank you for supporting future champions. Thank you for your generosity!
759 days ago by Eva TimmonsCoach Leaney came to Macalester as head men’s soccer coach in 1986 and two years later also took control of the women’s program, which went on to win the NCAA Division III national championship in 1998 and finished second the following year. He retired from coaching as one of the most accomplished winners in Division III history with:
- 489 combined victories
- seventeen MIAC championships, and
- twenty-two national playoff berths
He was also named MIAC Coach of the Year thirteen times, coached nineteen All-Americans, and fourteen MIAC Players of the Year. Beyond that, Leaney was a mentor and leader who made a significant impact on the development of students.
787 days ago by Eva TimmonsDonors
View All Donors
Advocates
