Ouachita Baptist Athletics is announcing the departure of men's soccer head coach Wilson Jones and women's tennis head coach Rachel Jones. Former women's soccer assistant coach Chris Lawson has been named the new head coach of the Tiger men's soccer team.
"I am grateful for Wilson and Rachel Jones in their time of leading our men's soccer program and women's tennis programs," Director of Athletics David Sharp said. "Their dedication and passion to their student-athletes was reflected by the quality and character of the teams they respectively coached. We wish them well in their future endeavors."
Wilson leaves Ouachita to join the private sector after five seasons at the helm of the men's soccer program, having led OBU to the 2015 Great American Conference regular season title and GAC Tournament championships in 2015 and 2017. His 37 career wins are the most in program history. After one season in charge of the Tiger women's tennis team, Rachel will be staying home with their two children.
"We are fortunate Chris Lawson has been assisting our soccer programs for the past three seasons," Sharp said. "His knowledge about the game of soccer and his expertise in recruiting will serve our men's program well. It is a seamless transition as our teams are reporting to campus. We are excited about Chris leading our men's soccer program."
Lawson has spent the last three years at Ouachita as an assistant coach. Before coming to Arkadelphia, he was the First Team Manager for Lincoln United Football Club from 2017-2018, Assistant Women's Soccer Coach at Doane University from 2015-2018, and Goalkeeper Coach at Buxmont Torch Football Club in 2015.
"I am extremely grateful for the faith that Mr. Sharp and the rest of the administration have placed in me to lead this program, for all the hard work that Coach Jones has put into it, and for the support I have received from Coach Wright and the rest of the Ouachita community during this transition." Lawson said. "I am fortunate to be working with a class group of young men, and I am excited about navigating these current challenges while looking forward to the opportunities that lay ahead for them."
The next head coach of OBU women's tennis has yet to be named.
"I will begin the search immediately to find and select the person to lead our women's tennis program," Sharp said. "My goal is to fill the position as soon as possible with a person that exhibits the qualities, values and experience we are looking for here at Ouachita."
