New Coach Brings Championship Pedigree to ECC Women’s Soccer

A familiar face in the local and regional soccer scene is stepping in to lead the East Central College women’s soccer program.

Chris Lanemann, a longtime coach and educator at Washington High School, has been named the Falcons’ new head coach, bringing with him decades of experience in both high school and club soccer.

Lanemann joins ECC after 25 years of teaching social studies at WHS, where he also coached boys’ and girls’ soccer. Beyond the high school level, he has made a significant impact in club soccer, coaching for several well-respected St. Louis Metro area programs, including Panathinaikos Soccer Club, Squadra FC, Real STL Soccer Club, Lou Fusz Soccer Club, and JB Marine Soccer Club.

Currently, his JB Marine squad is the No. 1 ranked team in Missouri, a two-time finalist in the Missouri State Cup, and has qualified for USYS Soccer Regionals and Nationals.

A St. Louis native, Lanemann developed his skills playing for Pepsi, Voyagers, Spirits SC, and Skateland before continuing his career at St. Louis Community College–Forest Park, where he played under Hall of Fame coach Pat McBride and Tony Kuester. He later earned his undergraduate degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and a master’s from William Woods University in Fulton.

Off the field, Lanemann enjoys an active lifestyle, including running half marathons, hiking, trail running, and working out. He and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Mia, 21, and Avery, 19.

With deep roots in the region and a track record of success at the highest levels of competition, Lanemann is set to bring his winning mentality to ECC Women’s Soccer and build upon the program’s foundation.