Tyler ISD has named Jonathan Hughes as Tyler Legacy High School’s next head coach for boys soccer. Coach Hughes comes to Tyler Legacy off a successful stint as an assistant women’s soccer coach at The University of Texas at Tyler where the program recorded their first-ever postseason win during his tenure.
“First and foremost, I am extremely humbled and honored to be taking over the Tyler Legacy Boys Soccer program,” said Hughes. “I think it has a fantastic foundation, and I am looking forward to seeing how we can improve and grow.”
Hughes has served in multiple head coaching roles, beginning at North DeSoto High School (Stonewall, LA), where he led the girls soccer program and tied a school record for wins during the 2021–22 season. He later continued as head girls soccer coach at Emerald High School (Greenwood, SC), guiding the Lady Vikings to their first-ever winning season, playoff appearance, and region championship. During his time at Emerald, he was also honored as the 2023–24 Region IV-3A Coach of the Year and the 2023–24 SK Media Coach of the Year.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Jonathan Hughes to the Tyler Legacy family,” said Athletic Director Sam Gillispie. “His experience at the collegiate level with UT-Tyler, along with a proven track record of success at the high school level makes him a tremendous fit for our program. He brings leadership, passion, and a commitment to developing student-athletes, and we look forward to the impact that he will have on the boys soccer program.”
In addition, Hughes has made stops as the Strength & Conditioning Coach at D1 Sports Training (Shreveport, LA) and coached at the club level with the Lakelands Toros Soccer Club (Greenwood, SC).
A graduate of Louisiana Tech University and a native of Lake Charles, LA, Jonathan played football for the Bulldogs, earned Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll three times, graduating in 2018 with a B.S. Kinesiology and Health Promotion. He attended Barbe High School, lettering in football and baseball, helping lead the baseball program to two 5A LHSAA Baseball State Championships.
“I want to thank Coach Stefani Webb at UT-Tyler,” Hughes continues. “I had a tremendous experience there, and she’s one of the best people that I have ever been around. I learned a lot about soccer, but just as much about leadership and serving those under your care.”
“I like to play a fun brand of soccer, and I want to create chances and score goals. We want to be the best, and it starts with doing the little things right every day,” said Hughes.
For more information, contact Reese Lannon at reese.lannon@tylerisd.org