ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowgirl soccer head coach Lance Key announced his retirement from soccer on Tuesday.
 
Coach Key ends his soccer head coaching career with a record of 264-53-27 over 17 years as a head coach.
 
In his two years at Hardin-Simmons, coach Key led the Cowgirls to a record of 29-5-5, including two berths in the ASC Championship, winning the championship in 2023 and leading the Cowgirls to the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
Coach Key had this message for the Cowgirl soccer community at Hardin-Simmons:
 
"The game of soccer has been a primary driver in my life for nearly 20 years as a coach after nearly 20 years as a player.  As I say goodbye, I'm thankful the Lord allowed me to have the competition and the relationships that have and will continue to mean so much to me over all these years."
 
"Our time at HSU and with COWGIRL Soccer has been rich with blessing. I'm so very grateful to President Bruntmyer, Dr. McNair, Dr. Neese as well as to the alumnae, support staff and university community for the collective belief and support of our mission to pursue excellence in every area of life.  I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the soccer staff that I was able to serve alongside.  The investment from each of them throughout my time here has been remarkable, and they have affected my life and the life of my wife and children immensely.  Perhaps most importantly, I'd like to express my love and admiration for the young women of COWGIRL Soccer and their families.  We have become FAMILY, and the relationships that have been cultivated in such a short time are beautiful and invaluable."
 
"My mandate from God when I accepted this assignment was to lead with my faith and love for Jesus.  This was a unique opportunity in ministry, and has been supernaturally rewarding."
 
"God has given me and my family a new assignment to serve Him, one which we are incredibly excited about, though leaving this season of our lives is tough, but we remember to trust God, no matter what."
 
"We often say within our program that the value of life's experiences are not so because of the experience, but because of the people you share the experience with.  The people God has placed in our lives have made our time here incredible and they will forever hold a significant place in our lives."
 
"Go COWGIRLS!" 
 
Hardin-Simmons' athletic director John Neese said of coach Key, "Lance has been a light for our soccer program and our university in his time here. We know that he devoted a great deal of thought and prayer in making the decision to retire from coaching.  I believe that his leadership will continue to provide a positive influence to numerous people as he moves forward with his career."
 
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